Features of the Structure of Self-Functions and Narcissistic Regulation in People with Borderline Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Abstract

The personality traits of patients with borderline neuropsychiatric disorders are the study of the subject of this work. The main hypothesis of the study was that this category of patients would demonstrate the severity of the destructive-deficit structure of the main Self-functions and a violation of narcissistic regulation. The human-structural concept of G. Ammon was the theoretical and methodological foundation of the work. The correlation design in the work was used. The sample included patients with borderline neuropsychiatric disorders (n = 32), aged from 19 to 59 years (М = 38.46, SD ± 11.44). The Self-Structural Test of G. Ammon (ISTA), the Method of Mental Health Assessment (Yu. Ya. Tupitsyn, V. V. Bocharov, B. V. Iovlev, S. P. Zhuk), and the Index of Self-System Functioning (N. M. Zalutskaya, A. Ya. Vuks, V. D. Vid) were used as experimental psychodiagnostic methods. Descriptive statistics, the nonparametric Kolmogorov-Smirnov criterion, and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient were used for statistical processing of the data. All Self-functions have destructive and deficient characteristics, detected on the basis of a decrease in constructiveness. The exception is the function of sexuality. It has been revealed that with a destructive-deficient organization of Self-functions, there is such a combination of components of narcissistic regulation, which, on the one hand, ensures stabilization. On the other hand, it makes the personality extremely vulnerable in interpersonal relationships, conditions of everyday stress and a constantly changing world. It has been established that patients with borderline neuropsychiatric disorders are characterized by rigid patterns of perception of others, self-image fragmentation, difficulties in accepting social assessments of other people. It has been found that the severity of the destructive-deficient organization of Self-functions is interconnected with a violation of the regulatory activity of the Self-system. Compensation for psychopathological stigmatization and the implementation of mental potential are more difficult, the higher the dysfunctionality of the Self-system of narcissistic regulation. The combination of psychopathological stigmatization and delayed self-functions determines the instability of self-esteem. The projective-identification attitudes in the perception of interpersonal relationships can also determine the aggressive nature of protection from threats to self-esteem and result in the general maladaptation of the personality. The research showed that the main hypothesis received its empirical support. The results of the study have practical significance in the activities of psychotherapists and medical psychologists.