Perception of Factors Associated with Borderline Personality Disorder among Undergraduate Students in Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu

Abstract

Mental health is the strength to withstand stress inherent in living in today‟s society without undue physical or psychological discomfort. It is an imperative part of health that influences ones daily living and perceptive to life. That is why the United Nations includes good health and well being as the third sustainable development goal aimed at achieving fair and sustainable health at all levels. Nevertheless, mental health disorder such as Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is one aspect of health that its orientation is downplayed and underrated. BPD is a mental health disorder that negatively affects the behaviour or mind-set of an individual. It is distinguished by perceptible irritability, difficulty controlling anger, chronic feelings of emptiness, extreme mood swings, intense interpersonal relationships, identity disturbance, self-mutilating behaviour and suicidal behaviour. This study examines the factors associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD) as perceived by students in Enugu State University of Science and Technology. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. Three research questions guided the study. The study population comprised of 2,624 undergraduate students in faculty of Education of ESUT, Enugu. Proportionate sampling technique was used to select one hundred and thirty one (131) respondents used for the study. The main instrument used for data collection was a researchers‟ made structured questionnaire which was validated by three experts. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation at 0.05 level of significance. The finding of the study revealed among other things that the students agreed that family history is a factor associated with BPD while they disagreed with sociological and psychological factors as being linked to BPD. Based on the finding, the researchers recommend that Parents/guardian should try as much as possible to create a lovable environment for their children growth and as well strive to balance discipline and warmth whilst parenting.