ASWB Clinical Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized by a pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, along with marked impulsivity. Among the traits commonly associated with BPD are poor impulse control, dichotomous thinking, and emotional dysregulation.

Poor impulse control reflects the tendency of individuals with BPD to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or self-harm, as they often struggle to regulate their impulses. Dichotomous thinking, also known as black-and-white thinking, involves viewing situations or people in extremes, which can lead to intense emotional responses and unstable relationships. Emotional dysregulation signifies the difficulty in managing and responding to an emotional experience, leading to intense and rapidly changing moods.

On the other hand, the control of aggressive drives is not typically associated with BPD. In fact, individuals with this disorder often have challenges in managing aggressive impulses, leading to reactive and, at times, violent behaviors. This inability to control aggressive drives can result in conflicts in relationships and difficulties in emotional stability. Therefore, the statement regarding control of aggressive drives stands out as it contradicts the established characteristics of BPD.