The “favorite person” in borderline personality disorder: A content analysis of social media posts

In the borderline personality disorder (BPD) online community, shared experience has led to the emergence of the term “favorite person” (FP) to describe a unique interpersonal relationship. Despite its widespread use, this term has not been defined in the scholarly literature. The purpose of this exploratory study was to develop a working definition of FP through quantitative content analysis of relevant Instagram posts. Results suggest that FP may be defined as an insecure attachment figure who consumes the thoughts and evokes the abandonment fears of individuals with BPD. The FP is viewed as a rescuer and depended on for a sense of identity and emotional validation. Reactivity of mood and a tendency to hypermentalize around the FP may contribute to the instability evident in these relationships. These findings offer a novel understanding of the lived experience of BPD relationships, having important implications for treatment and stigma reduction.