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Published in: Trials 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Borderline Personality Disorder | Study protocol

Study protocol for a multi-center RCT testing a group-based parenting intervention tailored to mothers with borderline personality disorder against a waiting control group (ProChild*-SP1)

Authors: Charlotte Rosenbach, Nina Heinrichs, Robert Kumsta, Silvia Schneider, Babette Renneberg

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background/aims

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder characterized by an unstable sense of self, intense and rapidly changing affect, as well as impulsive and self-destructive behaviors. Interpersonal relationships of individuals with BPD are characterized by marked instability, a lack of dependability, and quick changes between love and hate. For children of individuals with BPD, this can lead to permanent stress and attachment insecurity and an increased risk of adverse physical and mental health development. To reduce dysfunctional parenting and improve positive parenting, and in turn, to promote healthy child development, a group intervention for mothers with BPD was developed. This study aims to evaluate this first disorder-specific parenting intervention for BPD in a randomized controlled trial.

Method

In a parallel-group, two-arm, randomized controlled trial, an initial N = 178 mothers diagnosed with BPD and their children aged 6 months to 6 years are assigned to either the parenting intervention or a waiting control group. If taking place, participants of both groups continue their regular treatment for BPD diagnosis (e.g., individual therapy, medication). The primary outcomes are changes in parenting from baseline (day 0) to post intervention (week 12) and follow-up (6 months after group intervention; month 9). The waiting control group can attend the group intervention at the end of all assessments. Participants allocated to the intervention group are expected to show improvement in their parenting and a reduction in child abuse potential. Maternal emotion regulation and mental distress are analyzed as secondary outcomes.

Discussion

Mothers with BPD may need tailored help when reporting difficulties raising their children. The first disorder-specific parenting intervention has been developed to close this gap. ProChild is part of a large government-supported consortium, which aims to investigate different aspects of abuse and maltreatment in childhood and adolescence.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04169048. Registered on Nov 19, 2019.
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Metadata
Title
Study protocol for a multi-center RCT testing a group-based parenting intervention tailored to mothers with borderline personality disorder against a waiting control group (ProChild*-SP1)
Authors
Charlotte Rosenbach
Nina Heinrichs
Robert Kumsta
Silvia Schneider
Babette Renneberg
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06531-2

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