Experiences of the ‘family Connections’ programme: a group intervention for family members of individuals with borderline personality disorder.

Millions of people worldwide are affected by mental health difficulties and in the vast majority of cases it is a family affair. Severe mental illness can change families’ lives significantly, particularly in the case of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Family Connections (FC) was developed by Fruzzetti and Hoffman (2002) and is a manualised group intervention, tailored specifically for families of persons with BPD. The current study aimed to qualitatively explore the subjective experiences of individuals who partook in FC. Twelve participants from FC groups conducted in Ireland, the United States and New Zealand were interviewed. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Analysis yielded four superordinate themes, each of which subsumed two subordinate themes. Findings reveal that FC participation provided family members’ with a sense of safety and support. It enabled them to acquire an in-depth understanding of their relative’s reality and their own roles within that reality. Participation gradually facilitated a self-focus, through which change became possible. Most participants described widespread changes and were engaging in their lives in a different way. This study constitutes an important first step in understanding the perceived impact of FC participation. It provides useful information for the future provision of family services, particularly FC. Findings indicate FC is highly beneficial for families of those experiencing BPD, and it is possible the programme may also be useful for families with loved ones experiencing other mental or physical health difficulties. This study lends support for further implementation of the FC programme at a local and international level.