Comparison of obsessive relational intrusion and intimate partner violence in the borderline personality spectrum

Abstract Background Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), recognized as one of the most complex psychological disorders, is often characterized by pathological interpersonal components such as obsessive relational intrusion (ORI) and intimate partner violence (IPV). This study aimed to examine the relationship between these pathological interpersonal components within the spectrum of borderline personality. Method A cross-sectional design was used to compare three groups—individuals with BPD, individuals with Borderline Personality Traits (BPT), and a Healthy Individuals group (HI)—across variables of ORI and IPV. Participants ( N = 488) were recruited from Zanjan through referrals from psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric centers, and online platforms, using purposive sampling. Group classification was based on the Standardized Assessment of Borderline Personality (STB) followed by diagnostic interviews using SCID‑I and SCID‑II. Additional measures included the Obsessive Relational Intrusion Scale (ORI) and the Conflict Tactics Scale-2 (CTS-2). Data were analyzed using Welch’s one-way ANOVA and Games–Howell Post Hoc test in SPSS 24. Results Participants with BPD and BPT showed higher levels of IPV and ORI than HI, with a general graded pattern across the borderline spectrum (BPD > BPT > HI). ORI exhibited the largest effect size, and psychological aggression increased more markedly than physical assault. This pattern was evident across both perpetration and victimization roles for major IPV dimensions, supporting a dimensional pattern of interpersonal dysfunction across the borderline spectrum. Conclusion The findings support a dimensional model of borderline pathology, showing a overall graded increase in ORI, psychological aggression, injury, and physical assault across HI, BPT, and BPD. Even subthreshold BPT are associated with clinically meaningful interpersonal difficulties. Early identification and intervention targeting relational fixation, emotion regulation, and maladaptive aggression may prevent escalation toward more severe violence. These findings highlight the importance of assessing borderline personality dimensionally rather than relying solely on categorical diagnosis.