The biosocial model of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) highlights the role of biological vulnerability in the core mechanism of emotional regulation in BPD. This study aims to examine the serial mediation effects of emotional regulation and borderline personality traits in the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and inhibitory control.A cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 259 high school students. Sensory processing sensitivity was assessed using the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), emotional regulation difficulties were measured using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), borderline personality traits were evaluated with the Borderline Personality Features Scale (BPFS), and inhibitory control was measured using the Behavioral Inhibition System Scale (BIS/BAS).The serial mediation analysis revealed a significant total effect (β = 0.042, p < 0.001). Specifically, sensory processing sensitivity significantly predicted emotional regulation difficulties (standardized β = 0.357, p < 0.001), and emotional regulation difficulties significantly predicted borderline personality traits (standardized β = 0.718, p < 0.001). However, the direct effect of sensory processing sensitivity on inhibitory control was not significant (standardized β = 0.011, p = 0.862). The mediation effects of emotional regulation and borderline personality traits were significant, emphasizing their critical roles in the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and inhibitory control. Conclusion: The findings suggest that biological vulnerability indirectly affects inhibitory control by influencing emotional regulation and personality traits. These results provide important theoretical insights into the pathogenesis of BPD and underscore the mediating roles of emotional regulation and personality traits in this process.

Authors:
Xinyi Li, Peking University, China
Jie Zhong, Peking University, China

About the Presenter(s)
Xinyi Li is a PhD candidate in Applied Psychology at Peking University.Her research focuses on the psychological mechanisms of personality disorders.

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