The Relationship Between Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms and Mindfulness: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objective This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the relationship between borderline personality disorder symptoms, and mindfulness. Method We identified 20 eligible studies ( n = 5736) that we included in the meta-analysis. We hypothesized a negative association between borderline personality disorder symptoms and mindfulness, with potential moderation by participant and study characteristics. We used meta-analytic techniques. Results The results indicate a negative relationship between borderline personality disorder symptoms and mindfulness ( r = -0.32, 95% CI [-0.38, -0.26]). The association was stronger in studies using the total score of borderline personality disorder symptoms ( r = -0.38, 95% CI [-0.46, -0.30]) compared to the studies assessing individual subscales. Non-judging (r = -0.46) and acting with awareness ( r = -0.35) showed the strongest negative associations, while observing showed a positive association ( r = 0.11). The relation is also stronger in studies using European samples ( r = -0.51) and in those using The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale ( r = -0.45). Conclusions The negative relationship between borderline personality disorder symptoms and mindfulness across clinical and non-clinical samples suggests that mindfulness-based interventions could be beneficial for prevention programs in at-risk populations. Furthermore, the stronger relationships observed with non-judgment and acting with awareness suggest that clinical interventions could benefit from specifically emphasizing these components. Preregistration This study was preregistered in PROSPERO (CRD42024558067).