The development and validation of a self-report measure of staff attitudes to borderline personality disorder

Mental health professionals’ (MHPs) attitudes towards people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have been found to be consistently negative (Winship, 2010). This is concerning given the potential impact on the therapeutic relationship and treatment outcomes for people with BPD. A review of the literature (McQuillan, 2013) revealed limitations in the measurement of MHPs’ attitudes towards people with BPD and the need for a new measure with validated psychometric properties. The aim of the study was to develop and validate a new self-report measure of staff attitudes to people with BPD, based on cognitive, affective and behavioural components of attitudes. The attitudes to borderline personality disorder questionnaire (ABPDQ) was developed based on a comprehensive literature review and consultation with service users/carers and MHPs. The preliminary measure was assessed to have good face and content validity by a panel of experts in the field of personality disorders. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted as a data reduction technique and to establish construct validity on a large sample (N=289). Three underlying factors were identified consisting of a general attitude towards people with BPD which is either optimistic or pessimistic, the feelings evoked and stereotypes. Construct validity of the new measure was further verified through correlational analysis with existing measures. The ABPDQ was demonstrated to have excellent reliability (internal consistency, α=0.9). The ABPDQ is a unique measure which addresses inadequacies in the measurement of staff attitudes to people with BPD. It has the potential to be utilised widely in future research studies and clinical practice. The ultimate aim being to improve negative attitudes and the quality of care people with BPD receive.