Call for special issue papers: Journal of Psychosocial Studies  

Whose Borderline is it anyway?

Guest edited by Dr Nilufar Ahmed, University of Bristol, UK, Dr David W Jones, Open University, UK and Jo Lomani, Independent Researcher  

Abstract submission deadline: 17 September 2021

The Special Issue seeks to provide a critical investigation of some of the key debates that surround the highly controversial diagnosis of ‘Borderline Personality Disorder’.

We are interested in proposals for articles that seek to examine the role that issues of culture; ‘race’; social class; gender; or sexuality might play in the in the conceptualisation or experiences of the contested diagnosis.  

The diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD or EUPD) has not only become one of the most ubiquitous in the mental health system but is increasingly becoming a part of everyday discourse.  This is remarkable for a psychiatric diagnosis that did not even exist until the middle of the 20th century. 

The Special Issue will give due prominence to perspectives that suggest that this diagnosis and construct should be understood within a reading of the history of the psychiatry and psychology  that has viewed diagnostic, formulation and treatment processes as damaging. At the same time, we  recognise the real distress and psychosocial disability that might lead to these processes of diagnosis.  

If you are interested in writing an article for this issue that critically examines the ‘Borderline Personality Disorder’ diagnosis through the lense(s) of culture, ‘race’, social class, gender, or sexuality please send an abstract to:
JPS.editors@gmail.com

The abstract should be around 500 words and will spell out the substance and aims of the paper. Please read our instructions for authors for guidance on how to prepare your submission. 

Abstract submission deadline: 17 September 2021

The Special Issue is being edited by a team with a wide range of perspectives: including lived experience of receiving the diagnosis; as well as academic/research backgrounds, including:

Dr Nilufar Ahmed – University of Bristol
Dr David W Jones – The Open University
Jo Lomani – Independent Researcher