Borderline personality traits and sexual behaviors in men

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.