‘It makes me not worthy to be a father from time to time’: the experiences of fathers with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the experiences of fathers with a diagnosis of BPD. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with eight fathers with a diagnosis of BPD. The interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Analysis revealed common themes across participants: fatherhood as a transformative experience; ‘being a dad means being there’; and challenges to ‘being there’. Each superordinate theme contained subthemes and whilst there were consistent patterns of experience, there was also individual variation. The findings suggest that whilst fathers with a diagnosis of BPD have a considerable amount in common with fathers in general, there are unique aspects to their experience that arise as a consequence of the symptoms of BPD. These unique aspects have important clinical implications with regard to engaging and supporting fathers with a diagnosis of BPD.

KEYWORDS:

• borderline personality disorder
• fathers
• interpretative phenomenological analysis
• qualitative
• parenting

Acknowledgements

With sincere thanks to the fathers who participated in this study for sharing their experiences and giving their time. Thanks also to the clinicians who supported the research process.