ABSTRACT
To explain the aetiology and maintenance of problematic behaviours associated with BPD, Linehan (1993a) proposed a transactional theory that combines biological, developmental and social research. She hypothesized that the problematic behaviours result from a dialectical transaction between a biologically based proclivity toward emotion dysregulation and invalidating social environment(s). This hypothesis suggests that not only does the interaction of the individual’s biology and social environment create the foundation for developing BPD, but also that the biology and environment reciprocally influence each other such that the emotional dysregulation creates a more invalidating environment and vice-versa. For example, a parent may become more invalidating over time in response to a temperamental child who is difficult to soothe. Linehan further proposed that these transactions result in a combination of capability and motivational deficits. More specifically, she suggested that individuals who meet criteria for BPD lack essential skills, including emotional regulation, impulse control, interpersonal and problem-solving skills and that internal and external factors both inhibit skilful behaviour and motivate problematic behaviour.
