Mediating role of rejection sensitivity between borderline personality features and self-silencing, body image coping strategies

In individuals with borderline personality traits, there is a profound sense of worthlessness and negative perceptions of body image. Additionally, there is an intense need for others and a constant fear of rejection. These conditions can lead to uncertainties and conflicts in relationships. Individuals who exhibit borderline traits in intimate relationships may overreact, expecting their spouse to reject them and misinterpreting their partner's actions. They may exhibit clingy behavior or change themselves to avoid ending the relationship due to fear of abandonment. Body image encompasses thoughts, perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors related to physical appearance. When individuals develop a negative body image, they may hide their bodies or exert excessive control. Self-silencing is often a coping mechanism to avoid conflicts, maintain relationships, or feel secure, and it can significantly impact romantic relationships. This study aims to understand the relationship between borderline personality traits, self-silencing, and body image coping strategies and to examine the mediating role of rejection sensitivity in this relationship. This research was applied based on the relational screening model. Convenience sampling was preferred in the sample selection. The study sample consists of 400 individuals over 18 living in Istanbul. Borderline Personality Questionnaire (BPQ), Silencing the Self Scale (STSS), Body Image Coping Strategies Inventory (BICSI), and Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (A-RSS) were applied to the participants with a Socio-Demographic Information Form prepared by the researcher. The data obtained were analyzed using the SPSS 25 program, and Pearson correlation analysis, independent sample t-test, and ANOVA were used. As a result of the findings, rejection sensitivity has a partial mediator role in the relationship between borderline personality traits and self-silencing, rejection sensitivity has a full mediator role between borderline personality traits and appearance fixing, and rejection sensitivity has a partial mediator role between borderline personality traits and avoidance of body image coping strategies has been determined. The study results reveal that the increase in rejection sensitivity may cause the individuals to avoid expressing themselves and showing their perceived physical flaws and to try to correct the perceived physical flaws, thus showing various forms of avoidance. Considering the reinforcing effect of avoidance on behavior, the importance of psychotherapy studies targeting rejection sensitivity to prevent the deepening of existing problems is understood.