The Efficacy of Schema Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Schema Therapy (ST) has gained recognition as a promising treatment approach for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of ST in reducing BPD symptoms and improving overall functioning in individuals with BPD. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of ST compared to control conditions (e.g., treatment as usual, supportive therapy) in targeting core symptoms of BPD, including affect dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, impulsivity, and identity disturbance. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as treatment duration, mode of delivery (individual vs. group), therapist experience, and participant characteristics (e.g., comorbidities, trauma history), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of ST for BPD.
Share and Cite
Article Metrics
References
- Giesen-Bloo, J., et al. (2006). Outpatient psychotherapy for borderline personality disorder: Randomized trial of schema-focused therapy vs transference-focused psychotherapy. Archives of General Psychiatry, 63(6), 649-658.
- Farrell, J. M., et al. (2009). A schema-focused approach to group psychotherapy for outpatients with borderline personality disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 40(2), 317-328.
- Nadort, M., et al. (2009). Implementation of outpatient schema therapy for borderline personality disorder with versus without crisis support by the therapist outside office hours: A randomized trial. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 47(11), 961-973.
- Sempértegui, G. A., Karreman, A., Arntz, A., & Bekker, M. H. (2013). Schema therapy for borderline personality disorder: A comprehensive review of its empirical foundations, effectiveness and implementation possibilities. Clinical Psychology Review, 33(3), 426-447.
- van Vreeswijk, M. F., et al. (2012). The application of schema therapy in eating-disorder patients with personality disorders: A multiple-baseline design. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 43(2), 724-731.
- Renner, F., et al. (2019). Short-term and long-term effects of inpatient schema therapy in a sample of personality disordered forensic patients: A pilot study. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 30(1), 144-158.