Borderline Personality Disorder vs. PTSD: Exploring the Influence of Labels and Gender on Psychologists' Attitudes

The current study examined how psychiatric labels-BPD vs. PTSD-and client gender influence psychologists' attitudes toward a mock client, holding constant variables such as symptom presentation, relational difficulties, and trauma history. Prior research suggests that BPD is heavily stigmatized, partly due to negative stereotypes, gender bias, and the historical misuse of the borderline label. In this online experimental study, a random sample of 267 psychologists was randomly assigned to read one of four vignettes describing a female or male client diagnosed with either BPD or PTSD. The demographics of the sample were largely representative of the general population of licensed psychologists in the United States; however, individuals identifying as Hispanic and Black were under-represented. After reading the vignette, participants completed an adapted Attitudes to Personality Disorders Questionnaire and several single-item questions that captured critical aspects of clinical judgment. Overall, although psychologists reported generally positive attitudes, subtle biases toward the BPD label and gender differences in diagnostic perceptions were evident. The study highlights the need for continued efforts to address diagnostic stigma and gender bias in clinical practice, as well as for future research to examine the nuanced factors that contribute to BPD-related stigma.