Trauma infantil en el trastorno límite de la personalidad.

Abstract

Childhood trauma is a major mental health concern, since exposure to it during sensitive developmental stages has been associated with the onset of severe psychological disorders, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), which is characterized by emotional instability, impulsivity, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. In this regard, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between childhood trauma and the development of BPD by identifying the types of trauma most associated with this disorder and describing the mechanisms that explain this relationship. To this end, a qualitative literature review with a descriptive scope was conducted through a search in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Web of Science. An adaptation of the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram was applied to select 30 articles published between 2020 and 2026. The findings showed that emotional abuse and emotional neglect were the types of childhood trauma most strongly associated with BPD, even more so than physical and sexual abuse, while the relationship between both variables was supported by emotional, cognitive, dissociative, and biological mechanisms, such as emotional dysregulation, cognitive biases, and epigenetic alterations. In conclusion, childhood trauma, particularly in its emotional form, represents a consistent risk factor for the development of BPD. Therefore, strengthening early detection and emotional regulation in vulnerable populations is recommended.