Cause 10: Peer Influences
Our peers play a significant role in shaping who we are. From the values we hold to the choices we make, their influence can be subtle yet profound. For someone predisposed to BPD, peer influences can be particularly impactful. Navigating relationships is already a challenge for them. Add to that the natural human desire to fit in, and you’ve got a recipe for potential upheaval.
For someone with BPD, peers can act as mirrors, reflecting back not just a sense of belonging but also a sense of self-worth. If the reflection is positive and affirming, it can foster stability and self-assurance. However, any negativity, whether real or perceived, can throw them off balance, leading to intense emotional reactions and even self-harming behaviors.
The constant quest for approval and validation can be exhausting. Every interaction, every gesture becomes a test. The fear of abandonment or rejection, core to BPD, is continually at play. This means individuals with BPD might go to extreme lengths to secure affirmation, even if it involves compromising their own well-being or values. (10)
