Internalized Shame Mediates the Relationship between Borderline Personality Traits and Suicidal Ideation

Background: Internalized shame, defined as the enduring incorporation of shame as a trait due to repeated experiences of shame, is considered a core emotion in individuals with borderline personality traits. It is closely related to self-destructive behaviors, such as self-harm and suicidal ideation. This study aimed to investigate whether internalized shame mediates the relationship between borderline personality traits and suicidal ideation.Methods: Self-report questionnaires were administered to 303 undergraduate and graduate students to assess borderline personality traits, suicidal ideation, internalized shame, depression, impulsivity, and history of suicide attempts.Results: Internalized shame mediated the relationship between borderline personality traits and suicidal ideation, even after controlling for known predictors of suicidal ideation, including depression, impulsivity, history of suicide attempts, sex, and age. Specifically, higher borderline personality traits were associated with stronger feelings of shame, which in turn increased suicidal ideation.Conclusions: These findings suggest that addressing internalized shame could be a key target for interventions aimed at reducing suicide risk in individuals with borderline personality traits.