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Borderline Personality DisorderICSNCT07199166

Effectiveness of Autobiographical Rewriting Workshops on the Socio-Professional Functioning of Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder Undergoing Third-Wave Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A study testing Autobiographical Rewriting Workshops and Non-specific writing workshops in people with Borderline Personality Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), run by University Hospital, Montpellier.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study evaluates the effectiveness of autobiographical rewriting workshops combined with third-wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in improving social and professional functioning in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 45 years
What is being tested?
Autobiographical Rewriting Workshops and Non-specific writing workshops
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
140 participants
Where
No sites listed yet
Study dates
1 Oct 2025to 1 Oct 2028
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 45 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Subjects with borderline personality disorder (assessed by SCID-2),
  • Subjects aged between 18 and 45 years (inclusive).

Who cannot join

  • Psychotic disorder (assessed by SCID),
  • Subjects deprived of their liberty (by judicial or administrative decision, or involuntary hospitalization),
  • Subjects under legal protection (guardianship, curatorship, or judicial protection),
  • Subjects not affiliated with a social security,
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women,
  • Inability to understand the nature, purpose, and methodology of the study,
  • Inability to understand, speak, or write French,
  • Failure to provide informed oral consent to participate in the study.

About this study

This study evaluates the effectiveness of autobiographical rewriting workshops combined with third-wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in improving social and professional functioning in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). BPD affects approximately 2 to 6% of the general population and is frequently associated with suicidal behaviors, unstable relationships, and low self-esteem. This disorder is often linked to early traumatic experiences that impact autobiographical memory and self-perception. While Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a standard treatment for BPD, it does not fully address all the needs of patients.

The aim of this study is to determine whether autobiographical rewriting, which allows individuals to restructure and reinterpret their memories in a more resilient way, can improve autobiographical memory, self-esteem, and reduce emotional symptoms. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one group will undergo autobiographical rewriting workshops in addition to third-wave CBT sessions, while the other group will participate in non-specific writing sessions also in addition to third-wave CBT sessions. The study will compare the two groups to evaluate the effectiveness of autobiographical rewriting workshops in enhancing social and professional well-being.

Expected outcomes include improvements in interpersonal relationships, greater professional stability, and a reduction in emotional symptoms assessed immediately post-intervention, then 3 months and 6 months after. This study may offer a complementary therapeutic approach to existing treatments, helping patients manage their symptoms more effectively and improve their quality of life.

Being tested
Autobiographical Rewriting Workshops, Non-specific writing workshops
Keywords
borderline personality disorder, autobiographical rewriting, third wave CBT
Medical subject headings
Borderline Personality Disorder

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Autobiographical Rewriting WorkshopsBehavioural

    10 two-hour autobiographical rewriting workshop sessions, held weekly. This program encourages participants to explore their own history in a way that fosters narrative resilience, highlighting their ability to overcome challenges, transform failures into learning opportunities, express themselves creatively, reexamine their memories, and rebuild a more positive sense of identity that better aligns with the needs of accurate self-recognition of their potential. This program is particularly inspired by the concepts of resilience (Boris Cyrulnik), identification (Karine Gros), the Hero's Journey (Joseph Campbell), narrative therapy (David Denborough), and works on various types of story structures (Blake Snyder).

  • Non-specific writing workshopsBehavioural

    10 sessions of 2 hours of non-specific writing, held weekly. To increase the active role of the participants, they will be encouraged to write on the theme of the session during the time between sessions. The writing themes are non-specific, unlike the intervention group, and include topics such as poetry, historical events, nature reports, imaginary interviews, children's stories, etc.

Study groups in NCT07199166
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
INTERVENTION GROUPExperimentalSessions of maintenance in third-wave CBT as part of the usual treatment plan (10 weekly sessions of 45 minutes over 10 weeks) + Autobiographical Rewriting Workshops (10 autobiographical rewriting sessions over 10 weeks, one session per week)
Receives: Behavioral: Autobiographical Rewriting Workshops
CONTROL GROUPPlacebo comparatorThird-wave CBT maintenance sessions as part of the usual treatment plan (10 weekly sessions of 45 minutes over 10 weeks) + Non-specific Writing Workshops (10 autobiographical non-specific writing sessions over 10 weeks, one session per week)
Receives: Behavioral: Non-specific writing workshops

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Improvement in Social Functioning

    The change in the score on the Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ) will be assessed between pre-intervention and post-intervention immediately, and compared between the two groups. The SFQ measures social functioning over the past two weeks, with 16 items divided into 8 domains: professional activities, daily life tasks, leisure, family and couple relationships, extrafamily relationships, financial and administrative management, general health, and community life and information. For each domain, participants assess the frequency and satisfaction of their activities

    Measured: immediate post-intervention

Secondary outcomes (26)
  1. Autobiographical Memory

    The Thinking About Life Experiences (TALE) scale will be used to assess the frequency of autobiographical memory recall and its functions. Autobiographical memory is defined as a collection of information and memories unique to an individual, accumulated from early life, and enabling the construction of a sense of identity and continuity. The TALE consists of 15 items, divided into 3 dimensions (5 items per dimension), which measure different functions of autobiographical memories: Self-related function, social function, and directive function

    Measured: immediate post-intervention

  2. Autobiographical Memory

    The Thinking About Life Experiences (TALE) scale will be used to assess the frequency of autobiographical memory recall and its functions. Autobiographical memory is defined as a collection of information and memories unique to an individual, accumulated from early life, and enabling the construction of a sense of identity and continuity. The TALE consists of 15 items, divided into 3 dimensions (5 items per dimension), which measure different functions of autobiographical memories: Self-related function, social function, and directive function

    Measured: 3 months post-intervention

  3. Improvement in Social Functioning

    The change in the score on the Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ) will be assessed between pre-intervention and post-intervention immediately, and compared between the two groups. The SFQ measures social functioning over the past two weeks, with 16 items divided into 8 domains: professional activities, daily life tasks, leisure, family and couple relationships, extrafamily relationships, financial and administrative management, general health, and community life and information. For each domain, participants assess the frequency and satisfaction of their activities

    Measured: 3 months post-intervention

  4. Improvement in Social Functioning

    The change in the score on the Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ) will be assessed between pre-intervention and post-intervention immediately, and compared between the two groups. The SFQ measures social functioning over the past two weeks, with 16 items divided into 8 domains: professional activities, daily life tasks, leisure, family and couple relationships, extrafamily relationships, financial and administrative management, general health, and community life and information. For each domain, participants assess the frequency and satisfaction of their activities

    Measured: 6 months post-intervention

  5. Autobiographical Memory

    The Thinking About Life Experiences (TALE) scale will be used to assess the frequency of autobiographical memory recall and its functions. Autobiographical memory is defined as a collection of information and memories unique to an individual, accumulated from early life, and enabling the construction of a sense of identity and continuity. The TALE consists of 15 items, divided into 3 dimensions (5 items per dimension), which measure different functions of autobiographical memories: Self-related function, social function, and directive function

    Measured: 6 months post-intervention

  6. Borderline Symptom Severity

    The Borderline Symptom List (BSL23) will be used to evaluate the intensity of borderline symptoms. The scale includes 23 items designed to assess the severity of symptoms associated with borderline personality disorder. A higher score indicates more severe symptoms.

    Measured: immediate post-intervention

  7. Borderline Symptom Severity

    The Borderline Symptom List (BSL23) will be used to evaluate the intensity of borderline symptoms. The scale includes 23 items designed to assess the severity of symptoms associated with borderline personality disorder. A higher score indicates more severe symptoms.

    Measured: 3 months post-intervention

  8. Borderline Symptom Severity

    The Borderline Symptom List (BSL23) will be used to evaluate the intensity of borderline symptoms. The scale includes 23 items designed to assess the severity of symptoms associated with borderline personality disorder. A higher score indicates more severe symptoms.

    Measured: 6 months post-intervention

  9. Self-Concept Clarity

    The Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCC) will be used to measure the degree to which beliefs about the self are perceived as clearly defined, consistent, and stable over time. The scale includes 12 items and is unidimensional. A higher score indicates greater clarity and stability of self-beliefs, while a lower score reflects more confusion and instability in self-concept

    Measured: immediate post-intervention

  10. Self-Concept Clarity

    The Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCC) will be used to measure the degree to which beliefs about the self are perceived as clearly defined, consistent, and stable over time. The scale includes 12 items and is unidimensional. A higher score indicates greater clarity and stability of self-beliefs, while a lower score reflects more confusion and instability in self-concept

    Measured: 3 months post-intervention

  11. Self-Concept Clarity

    The Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCC) will be used to measure the degree to which beliefs about the self are perceived as clearly defined, consistent, and stable over time. The scale includes 12 items and is unidimensional. A higher score indicates greater clarity and stability of self-beliefs, while a lower score reflects more confusion and instability in self-concept

    Measured: 6 months post-intervention

  12. Self-Defining Future Projections

    The Self-Defining Future Projections Scale (SDFP) will assess participants' future projections related to their self-concept. Participants are asked to write down three future projections defining the self and rate each projection on three dimensions: emotional valence (positive or negative), emotional intensity, and personal significance. The projections must meet six specific criteria (e.g., occurring within the next year, being plausible, and personally important).

    Measured: immediate post-intervention

  13. Self-Defining Future Projections

    The Self-Defining Future Projections Scale (SDFP) will assess participants' future projections related to their self-concept. Participants are asked to write down three future projections defining the self and rate each projection on three dimensions: emotional valence (positive or negative), emotional intensity, and personal significance. The projections must meet six specific criteria (e.g., occurring within the next year, being plausible, and personally important).

    Measured: 3 months post-intervention

  14. Self-Defining Future Projections

    The Self-Defining Future Projections Scale (SDFP) will assess participants' future projections related to their self-concept. Participants are asked to write down three future projections defining the self and rate each projection on three dimensions: emotional valence (positive or negative), emotional intensity, and personal significance. The projections must meet six specific criteria (e.g., occurring within the next year, being plausible, and personally important).

    Measured: 6 months post-intervention

  15. Self-Esteem

    The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) will be used to measure self-esteem or self-confidence. This 10-item scale is unidimensional and assesses the overall positive or negative evaluation of the self. A higher score indicates higher self-esteem, while a lower score reflects lower self-esteem

    Measured: immediate post-intervention

  16. Self-Esteem

    The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) will be used to measure self-esteem or self-confidence. This 10-item scale is unidimensional and assesses the overall positive or negative evaluation of the self. A higher score indicates higher self-esteem, while a lower score reflects lower self-esteem

    Measured: 3 months post-intervention

  17. Self-Esteem

    The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) will be used to measure self-esteem or self-confidence. This 10-item scale is unidimensional and assesses the overall positive or negative evaluation of the self. A higher score indicates higher self-esteem, while a lower score reflects lower self-esteem

    Measured: 6 months post-intervention

  18. Reflective Emotions (Shame)

    The TOSCA-3 (Test of Self-Conscious Affect) will assess the propensity to experience shame. This self-report scale consists of 16 relational scenarios, each followed by different potential emotional reactions. Participants are asked to imagine themselves in the situation described in each scenario and rate how much each proposed reaction aligns with their own emotional response on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) from 1 ("Not at all in agreement with my reaction") to 5 ("Completely in agreement with my reaction").

    Measured: immediate post-intervention

  19. Reflective Emotions (Shame)

    The TOSCA-3 (Test of Self-Conscious Affect) will assess the propensity to experience shame. This self-report scale consists of 16 relational scenarios, each followed by different potential emotional reactions. Participants are asked to imagine themselves in the situation described in each scenario and rate how much each proposed reaction aligns with their own emotional response on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) from 1 ("Not at all in agreement with my reaction") to 5 ("Completely in agreement with my reaction").

    Measured: 3 months post-intervention

  20. Reflective Emotions (Shame)

    The TOSCA-3 (Test of Self-Conscious Affect) will assess the propensity to experience shame. This self-report scale consists of 16 relational scenarios, each followed by different potential emotional reactions. Participants are asked to imagine themselves in the situation described in each scenario and rate how much each proposed reaction aligns with their own emotional response on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) from 1 ("Not at all in agreement with my reaction") to 5 ("Completely in agreement with my reaction").

    Measured: 6 months post-intervention

  21. Sense of Coherence

    The Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-8) is an 8-item scale used to evaluate identity disturbance. It measures how well individuals perceive their life experiences as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful, reflecting their sense of coherence and overall well-being. Higher score indicates greater coherence.

    Measured: immediate post-intervention

  22. Sense of Coherence

    The Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-8) is an 8-item scale used to evaluate identity disturbance. It measures how well individuals perceive their life experiences as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful, reflecting their sense of coherence and overall well-being. Higher score indicates greater coherence.

    Measured: 3 months post-intervention

  23. Sense of Coherence

    The Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-8) is an 8-item scale used to evaluate identity disturbance. It measures how well individuals perceive their life experiences as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful, reflecting their sense of coherence and overall well-being. Higher score indicates greater coherence.

    Measured: 6 months post-intervention

  24. Self-Representation (Ontological Addiction Scale)

    The Ontological Addiction Scale (OAS) is a 12-item scale designed to measure the excessive preoccupation with self (i.e., the concern to satisfy the incorrect idea we usually have of ourselves). A higher score indicates a greater preoccupation with one's self-representation, suggesting a stronger tendency to engage in self-referential thinking.

    Measured: immediate post-intervention

  25. Self-Representation (Ontological Addiction Scale)

    The Ontological Addiction Scale (OAS) is a 12-item scale designed to measure the excessive preoccupation with self (i.e., the concern to satisfy the incorrect idea we usually have of ourselves). A higher score indicates a greater preoccupation with one's self-representation, suggesting a stronger tendency to engage in self-referential thinking.

    Measured: 3 months post-intervention

  26. Self-Representation (Ontological Addiction Scale)

    The Ontological Addiction Scale (OAS) is a 12-item scale designed to measure the excessive preoccupation with self (i.e., the concern to satisfy the incorrect idea we usually have of ourselves). A higher score indicates a greater preoccupation with one's self-representation, suggesting a stronger tendency to engage in self-referential thinking.

    Measured: 6 months post-intervention

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted30 Sep 2025
  2. Study start1 Oct 2025 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion1 Jan 2028 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Oct 2028 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
140 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07199166
Sponsor's protocol ID
RECHMPL24_0016
Acronym
ICS
Status last verified
Sep 2025
First submitted
22 Sep 2025
Last updated
30 Sep 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Autobiographical Rewriting Workshops and Non-specific writing workshops in people with Borderline Personality Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), run by University Hospital, Montpellier.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Improvement in Social Functioning (time frame: immediate post-intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Sep 2025.

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