The borderline syndrome represents a pathological response to these stresses. Without outside sources of stability and validation of worthiness, borderline symptoms of black-and-white thinking, self-destructiveness, extreme mood changes, impulsivity, tumultuous relationships, an impaired sense of identity, and anger become understandable reactions to our culture’s tensions. Borderline traits, which may be present to some extent in many people, are being elicited—perhaps even bred—on a wide scale by the prevailing social conditions.
