Traits de personnalité limite en émergence, empathie et comportements intériorisés et extériorisés chez les enfants maltraités

Introduction

Some studies suggest that emerging borderline personality traits (EBPD) are linked to childhood maltreatment and that the presence of empathy difficulties and internalized and externalized behaviors are associated with them. Since most children housed in Youth Protection Centers (YPC) have been victims of maltreatment, they appear to be at greater risk of developing these difficulties compared to children from the general population and those consulting a psychologist.

Objectives

This study compares these three groups regarding EBPD, empathy (cognitive, affective, global), and internalized and externalized behaviors. It also aims to verify the moderating role of empathy in the relationship between EBPD and externalized behaviors. Method. One hundred and sixteen children aged 6 to 12 were divided into three groups: 35 housed in Youth Protection Centers, 42 consulting in psychology, and 39 from the general population. Children and caregivers responded to separate questionnaires measuring the various variables under study.

Results

Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between children housed in YPC and those in the general population regarding EBPD, self-reported global empathy, and internalized and externalized behaviors. Global empathy also seems to moderate the relationship between EBPD and externalized behaviors when assessed by children.

Conclusion

These results would make it possible to target variables to consider during interventions with children with EBPD to avoid the consolidation of their EBPD traits into adult borderline personality disorder.