A Qualitative Study, to Explore Professionals’ Lived Experiences Working with Borderline Personality Functioning Clients in a South African Context.

  

This research project adopted a descriptive qualitative research approach using Thematic Analysis to explore various professionals’ lived experiences working with Borderline personality functioning clients, in a South African community context. The research team collected data using qualitative semi-structured interviews, from various professionals working in the field. These professionals included clinical psychologists, social workers, and clinical nursing specialists who have experience working with Borderline personality functioning clientele. The data analysis included using Braun and Clarke’s six-phased approach to thematic analysis. The three generated themes include developmental trajectory, emotional instability and training and development. The findings were supported by the richness of the data collected and procedural clarity incorporated to ultimately hear the participants voices. The findings yielded a greater socio-cultural understanding of BP personality functioning and aids in helping professionals to assist BPD functioning clients. The findings confirmed a myriad of challenges experienced by professionals working with Borderline personality functioning clients and highlighted unique solutions for the South African context. We conclude that the various unique challenges to working with this client population exist and propose solutions contrasted from the professionals lived experiences.