Abstract:
This study examined the possible relationships between borderline personality traits in
men in the general population and frequency of risky sexual behaviors, a topic that lacks
adequate research as most of the research related to borderline personality traits or borderline
personality disorder focuses on women or men in unique populations and settings such as the
prison system. This study recruited men ages 18 to 25 at Ball State University to participate in
an online questionnaire. The results suggested that the borderline personality traits of self-harm
and impulsivity were positively related to the participants’ frequency of risky sexual behaviors.
Thus, a participant’s frequency of risky sexual behavior seemed to increase when they scored
higher on behaviors related to self-harm and impulsivity. Moreover, this study also examined
whether or not drug and alcohol use acted as moderators in the relationships between the
borderline personality traits and the participants’ frequency of risky sexual behaviors. The
results of the study suggested that while alcohol use acts as a moderator, other drug use does not.
Therefore, the results of this study suggest that alcohol use can have an influence on sexual
behavior when combined with the right personality traits. However, it would be beneficial to
continue to conduct research on borderline personality traits in men as it is lacking in research
and understanding.
