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Effectiveness of Autobiographical Rewriting Workshops on the Socio-Professional Functioning of Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder Undergoing Third-Wave Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Sponsor: University Hospital, Montpellier
Summary
This study evaluates the effectiveness of autobiographical rewriting workshops combined with third-wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in improving social and professional functioning in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). BPD affects approximately 2 to 6% of the general population and is frequently associated with suicidal behaviors, unstable relationships, and low self-esteem. This disorder is often linked to early traumatic experiences that impact autobiographical memory and self-perception. While Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a standard treatment for BPD, it does not fully address all the needs of patients. The aim of this study is to determine whether autobiographical rewriting, which allows individuals to restructure and reinterpret their memories in a more resilient way, can improve autobiographical memory, self-esteem, and reduce emotional symptoms. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one group will undergo autobiographical rewriting workshops in addition to third-wave CBT sessions, while the other group will participate in non-specific writing sessions also in addition to third-wave CBT sessions. The study will compare the two groups to evaluate the effectiveness of autobiographical rewriting workshops in enhancing social and professional well-being. Expected outcomes include improvements in interpersonal relationships, greater professional stability, and a reduction in emotional symptoms assessed immediately post-intervention, then 3 months and 6 months after. This study may offer a complementary therapeutic approach to existing treatments, helping patients manage their symptoms more effectively and improve their quality of life.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 45 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
140
Start Date
2025-10-01
Completion Date
2028-10-01
Last Updated
2025-09-30
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Autobiographical Rewriting Workshops
10 two-hour autobiographical rewriting workshop sessions, held weekly. This program encourages participants to explore their own history in a way that fosters narrative resilience, highlighting their ability to overcome challenges, transform failures into learning opportunities, express themselves creatively, reexamine their memories, and rebuild a more positive sense of identity that better aligns with the needs of accurate self-recognition of their potential. This program is particularly inspired by the concepts of resilience (Boris Cyrulnik), identification (Karine Gros), the Hero's Journey (Joseph Campbell), narrative therapy (David Denborough), and works on various types of story structures (Blake Snyder).
Non-specific writing workshops
10 sessions of 2 hours of non-specific writing, held weekly. To increase the active role of the participants, they will be encouraged to write on the theme of the session during the time between sessions. The writing themes are non-specific, unlike the intervention group, and include topics such as poetry, historical events, nature reports, imaginary interviews, children's stories, etc.