Levels of grit in patients with borderline personality disorder: Description and prediction

Abstract

This study describes the 6‐year course of grit scores among patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) who have and have not experienced a symptomatic and psychosocial recovery. This study also explores predictors of grittiness in BPD patients. These patients (N = 224) were assessed as part of the McLean Study of Adult Development (MSAD). Levels of grit were assessed using the Grit Scale, a self‐report measure assessing overall grittiness and three sub‐scales of grit: consistency of interest, perseverance, and ambition. Recovered patients reported significantly higher levels of grit on three outcomes (overall grit, perseverance, and ambition) compared to non‐recovered patients across time. One temperamental factor (conscientiousness) and one childhood factor (competency) were significant multivariate predictors of overall grit scores in patients with BPD. Taken together, these results suggest that recovered BPD patients have higher levels of grit that are stable across time. These results also suggest that grit is related to both temperamental and environmental factors.