A relação entre experiências adversas na infância, traços de personalidade borderline e consumo de substâncias psicoativas

Abstract

Childhood adverse experiences have been recognized as risk factors for the development of psychopathology, particularly regarding their association with borderline personality traits and the use of psychoactive substances. These phenomena, intrinsically related to high emotional vulnerability, relational instability, and dysfunctional affect regulation strategies, are of particular relevance within the scope of clinical research and the design of preventive strategies. The present study, developed within the second year of the Master’s Degree in Clinical and Health Psychology at the Portuguese Catholic University, Braga Regional Center, Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences, aimed to examine the relationship between childhood adverse experiences, borderline personality traits, and psychoactive substance use. The sample consisted of 390 Portuguese adults, assessed through a quantitative, cross-sectional design, using validated self-report instruments (ACE, BSL-23, ASSIST, and EDS-20). The results of the correlational analyses revealed significant positive associations between adverse childhood experiences, the intensity of borderline personality traits, and increased substance use. Mediation analyses confirmed that childhood adversity is not directly related to substance use but exerts its influence indirectly, mediated by elevated borderline personality traits. Accordingly, it can be concluded that adverse childhood experiences promote the development of borderline personality traits, which in turn increase vulnerability to substance use. These findings not only clarify the process through which early adversity translates into psychopathological risk but also highlight the specific role of borderline traits as a central mechanism of vulnerability. By elucidating this pathway, the study underscores the necessity of clinical interventions that systematically incorporate the assessment of life history and personality traits, fostering early screening, targeted prevention, and therapeutic strategies tailored to individuals’ risk profiles.

Date of Award	5 Dec 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Andreia Azeredo (Supervisor)