Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which psychosocial factor is commonly examined in patients with borderline personality disorder in therapeutic settings?

1. Job satisfaction

2. Family dynamics

3. Hobbies and interests

4. Physical health

The correct answer is: Family dynamics

In therapeutic settings, examining family dynamics is crucial for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) because these individuals often have complex and unstable relationships with their family members. Many patients with BPD may have experienced disrupted family relationships or trauma early in life, which contributes significantly to their emotional and relational patterns. Understanding these dynamics helps therapists identify patterns of behavior, attachment styles, and the origins of relational issues that the patient experiences. Therapists work to explore how the patient's relationships with family influence their interpersonal relationships and self-image, which are often factors in managing BPD symptoms. By addressing family dynamics, the therapeutic process can facilitate insight, healing, and change in interpersonal patterns, leading to improved emotional regulation and relationship stability for the patient. Other options, while important, do not specifically address the core relational issues often present in individuals with BPD as effectively as family dynamics do.