ENMESH 2024

Abstract

Compassion, the desire to alleviate another person's distress, has positive effects on both giver and receiver. Recent research highlights that engaging in compassionate acts benefits the recipient, and also enhances the well-being of the compassionate individual. However, individuals with mental disorders, such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), face challenges in such compassionate engagement due to perceived stigma associated with their condition. This study investigates the impact of stigma on acts of compassion among individuals aged 18-25 with BPD. The research underscores the psychological benefits of generative acts, like peer support and mentoring, for mental health service users. Despite the emphasis on compassionate care in mental health services, limited research exists on how stigma affects engagement in compassionate acts. BPD, characterised by emotional instability and distorted self-perception, affects 1%-2.5% of the UK population, typically diagnosed between ages 18-35. The study's focus on the 18-26 age group aligns with early intervention strategies for improved long-term outcomes. Stigma, encompassing public, structural, and self-stigma, significantly impacts individuals with BPD, considered one of the most stigmatised mental disorders. Common barriers to compassionate acts for the general population, such as a lack of opportunity and heightened fears of misunderstanding, are pronounced for individuals with BPD. Stigma exacerbates these barriers, leading to exclusionary behaviours and diminished community connections. Despite the known benefits of compassion for mental health, little research explores factors influencing individuals with mental disorders, like BPD, to engage in compassionate acts. This study aims to fill this gap by examining how stigma serves as a barrier and contributing to interventions promoting compassion and well-being. The methodology involves a knowledge synthesis through a scoping review and a mixed-methods approach with qualitative life narrative interviews. The study aims to shed light on the nuanced relationship between stigma and compassionate acts, contributing to interventions supporting individuals with BPD.