Assessing The Effectiveness Of Dialectical Behavior Therapy On Executive Functioning In Individuals With Borderline Personality Disorder

This study focused on investigation and comparing the effects of DBT on EF in people diagnosed with BPD before and after the therapy. Total 48 students, between 18 and 29 years of age (M = 22.34; SD = 2.67); were selected through a Simple Random Sampling method from a Government University in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The severity of BPD was weighed applying the McClean Screening Instrument, while Executive Functioning was calculated through the BRIEF-A Scale. Participants undertook 12-week DBT program that was followed by a three-months follow-up period to measure the therapy’s long-term influence. Various statistical methods including Descriptive Statistics, Paired Sample t-test, and Repeated Measures ANOVA were used for data analysis. Results from the Paired Sample t-test proved a substantial improvement in Executive Functioning from pretest to post-test (p < .001). Likewise, Repeated Measure ANOVA revealed that primary outcome i.e., symptoms of BPD have significant reduction in post-test and follow up. The findings highlight that DBT can be an effective therapy for borderline personality disorder as well as leading to improved executive functions.