Abstract

Although it is well established that childhood trauma presents a risk factor for borderline personality disorder in later life, its specific mechanism has been relatively underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between childhood trauma and borderline personality traits, focusing on the mediating roles of early attachment and adult attachment. A total of 233 college students (100 men, 133 women) participated in the study and completed self-report questionnaires assessing childhood trauma, early attachment, adult attachment, and borderline personality traits. Results indicated that early attachment and adult attachment sequentially mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and borderline personality traits among college students. These findings support the role of attachment in the development of borderline personality traits and related problems.