Borderline Personality Disorder and Violent Crime: The Moderating Role of Sex and Race

Genevieve J. Allison; Deanna M. Rusielewicz; Kelly E. Moore

Abstract

People receiving treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) are at risk of criminal justice involvement, including violent charges, but the role that personality factors play in this relationship is unclear. Although borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms can increase risk for violence, research has yet to examine whether BPD is associated with violent criminal charges among people with SUDs. Furthermore, prior research has found sex and race differences in the mechanisms by which BPD is related to justice involvement (e.g., aggression, substance use), as well as the relationship between BPD and violence, but these moderators have not been explored within a substance using sample. The current study drew from a sample of adults in a residential SUD treatment setting (N = 217) to examine whether BPD was associated with violent criminal charges and furthermore, if race and sex moderate this relationship. Results found that violent crime is better explained by substance use severity and antisocial personality disorder features in general, however, females with BPD may still have increased risk of violent crime. This study contributes to knowledge of how BPD impacts risk for violent crime among people receiving SUD treatment and suggests that treatments tailored specifically to females with BPD may be beneficial.

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