Abstract
M.A.
The question which the researcher attempts to answer through this study pertains to the motives of the
individual diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder for engaging in bulimic and self-mutilating
behaviour: why do these individuals engage in bulimic and self-mutilating behaviour, and how do their
motives for engaging in the one behaviour compare with their motives for engaging in the other behaviour?
In order to find an answer to this question, four respondents meeting the criteria of a diagnosis of
Borderline Personality Disorder and displaying of bulimic and self-mutilating behaviour, were interviewed
individually. These respondents were asked essentially the same questions from an interview-schedule.
The results of the study reveal that there are common motives (inner- and eco-systemic motives) which
underlie both the bulimic and the self-mutilating behaviour of Borderline individuals, and that there is often
a cyclic or addictive element to bulimic and self-mutilating behaviour. 'These results have implications for
the therapy rendered to such individuals, suggesting that a cognitive approach focusing on the underlying
motives is preferable to a purely behavioural approach, and that the bulimic and self-mutilating behaviour
should not be treated as two independent behavioural phenomena.