What Is Identity Disturbance?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnderstanding IdentitySigns of Identity DisturbanceWhat Causes Identity Disturbance?How to Cope With Identity Disturbance

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Understanding Identity

Signs of Identity Disturbance

What Causes Identity Disturbance?

How to Cope With Identity Disturbance

Close

Identity disturbance is a term used to describe incoherence or inconsistency in a person’s sense of identity. This could mean a person’s goals, beliefs, and actions constantly change. It could also be that the person takes onpersonality traitsof people around them as they struggle to have and maintain their own identity.

The"Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders"(DSM-5) describes identity disturbance as a “markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self” and notes it is one of the key symptoms ofborderline personality disorder(BPD).

Of course, peoplewithoutBPD struggle with identity disturbance, too. But people with BPD often have a very profound lack of sense of self, or loss of identity.If you struggle with the feeling that you have no idea who you are or what you believe in, this may be a symptom you can relate to.

At a Glance

Identity is often thought of as your overarching sense and view of yourself. A stablesense of identitymeans being able to see yourself as the same person in the past, present, and future. In addition, a stable sense of self requires the ability to view yourself in the same way despite the fact that sometimes you may behave in contradictory ways.

Identity is quite broad and includes many aspects of the self. Your sense of self or identity is thought to include the following elements:

Identity can be thought of as your self-definition; it’s the glue that holds together all of these diverse aspects of yourself.

Why Identity Is Important

Having a sense of identity serves many different functions. A strong identity can help you adapt to changes. While the world around you is constantly changing, if you have a strong sense of self, you essentially have an anchor to hold you while you adapt. Without that anchor, changes can feel chaotic and even terrifying.

In addition, having a strong identity allows you to developself-esteem. Without knowing who you are, how can you develop a sense that you are worthwhile and deserving of respect?

Coping With Low Self-Esteem in BPD

Identity disturbance is sometimes calledidentity diffusion. This refers to difficulties determining who you are in relation to other people.Some people with BPD may describe this as having difficulties understanding where they end and the other person begins.

People with BPD often report that they have no idea who they are or what they believe in. Sometimes, they report that they simply feel non-existent. Others even say that they are almost like a “chameleon” in terms of identity; they change who they are depending on their circumstances and what they think others want from them.

For example, you might find yourself being the life of the party at social events, but having a somber and serious demeanor at work functions. Of course, everyone changes their behavior to some degree in different contexts, but in BPD this shift is much more profound.

Those experiencing identity disturbance likely experience inconsistent beliefs and behaviors; they may also tend to over-identify with groups or roles over their individual identity.

Many people with identity disturbance in BPD say that in addition to changing behavior, their thoughts and feelings change to match the current situation. For example, they might frequently change their minds about the following:

As a result, many people with BPD struggle to set up and maintain healthypersonal boundariesand have difficulties in their interpersonal and intimate relationships. They may also have trouble committing to values, goals, and jobs.

Identity disturbances are also associated withmoods that changefrequently and unpredictably.

Relationship Issues in BPD

Those who are struggling with identity disturbance in BPD commonly have trouble forming close relationships with other people. Someone with identity disturbance likely experiences the negative effects oflow self-esteem, including a lack of self-respect and personal boundaries. This can make it especially difficult to form bonds with other people.

Another relationship challenge for those with identity disturbance is feeling a lack of support or meaninglessness in their relationships. Feeling an “emptiness” inside is common for those with identity disturbance.

Since it’s hard for them to find meaning within themselves, they may face challenges finding meaning in relationships with their family, friends, and romantic partners.

Having Stable Relationships With BPD

There has been very little research on the identity problems associated with BPD, but there are many theories as to why people with BPD often struggle with identity.

Borderline personality disorder is associated with emotional instability,impulsive behavior, anddichotomous thinking.

All of these factors can make it difficult to form a coherent sense of self, because internal experiences and outward actions are not consistent.

In addition, many people with BPD come from chaotic or abusive backgrounds,which may contribute to an unstable sense of self. If you determine who you are based on others’ reactions to you, and those reactions have been unpredictable and/or scary, you have no framework for developing a strong sense of identity.

The ability to understand the mental states of yourself and others is known as mentalizing. This is especially difficult for those with identity disturbance and BPD.This means they struggle with comprehending human behaviors and intentions, making it extra challenging for them to know themselves and others intimately.

One study published in 2017 showed that this problem with mentalizing may play a key role in why people with BPD struggle so much with identity diffusion and interpersonal relationships.

So how do you go about answering the questionWho am I?Of course, there is no magic solution for identity problems. However, mosttreatments for BPDinclude components that can help you begin to discover who you are and what you stand for.

Often, the first step isfinding a good therapistwho can help you work on identity problems. Treatments for BPD that may help with identity disturbance include:

There are also ways that you can work on identity disturbance on your own. You can begin to discover what you view as meaningful in your life. This type of self-discovery may be most effective in conjunction with therapy, especially as people with identity disturbance tend to struggle to find meaning.

Knowing what’s most important to you can connect you with a greater sense of identity. Many people findcreative outletsto be helpful ways to express and learn about themselves.

Takeaways

Everyone struggles with identity issues. You’re not alone if you sometimes wonder who you are and what significance your life has. If you struggle with identity disturbance, know that there are health care professionals and many treatment types that can help. With the right support, you can overcome identity disturbance—and other symptoms of BPD.

I Don’t Know Who I Am: What to Do If You Feel This Way

11 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gold N, Kyratsous M.Self and identity in borderline personality disorder: Agency and mental time travel.J Eval Clin Pract. 2017;23(5):1020-1028. doi:10.1111/jep.12769Showers CJ, Ditzfeld CP, Zeigler-Hill V.Self-concept structure and the quality of self-knowledge.J Pers. 2015;83(5):535-551. doi:10.1111/jopy.12130De Meulemeester C, Lowyck B, Vermote R, Verhaest Y, Luyten P.Mentalizing and interpersonal problems in borderline personality disorder: The mediating role of identity diffusion.Psychiatry Research. 2017;258:141-144. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.09.061Zandersen M, Parnas J.Identity disturbance, feelings of emptiness, and the boundaries of the schizophrenia spectrum.Schizophrenia Bulletin.2018;45(1):106-113. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbx183Isenhardt A, Kamenowski M, Manzoni P, Haymoz S, Jacot C, Baier D.Identity diffusion and extremist attitudes in adolescence.Front Psychol. 2021;12:711466. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.711466Gold N, Kyratsous M.Self and identity in borderline personality sisorder: Agency and mental time travel.Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice. 2017;23(5):1020-1028. doi:10.1111/jep.12769Linehan MM.Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. New York: Guilford Publications; 2018.Kulacaoglu F, Kose S.Borderline personality disorder (BPD): In the midst of vulnerability, chaos, and awe.Brain Sciences. 2018;8(11):201. doi:10.3390/brainsci8110201American Psychological Association.Mentalization. APA Dictionary of Psychology.National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline personality disorder.Choi-Kain LW, Finch EF, Masland SR, Jenkins JA, Unruh BT.What works in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports. 2017;4(1):21-30. doi:10.1007/s40473-017-0103-z

11 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gold N, Kyratsous M.Self and identity in borderline personality disorder: Agency and mental time travel.J Eval Clin Pract. 2017;23(5):1020-1028. doi:10.1111/jep.12769Showers CJ, Ditzfeld CP, Zeigler-Hill V.Self-concept structure and the quality of self-knowledge.J Pers. 2015;83(5):535-551. doi:10.1111/jopy.12130De Meulemeester C, Lowyck B, Vermote R, Verhaest Y, Luyten P.Mentalizing and interpersonal problems in borderline personality disorder: The mediating role of identity diffusion.Psychiatry Research. 2017;258:141-144. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.09.061Zandersen M, Parnas J.Identity disturbance, feelings of emptiness, and the boundaries of the schizophrenia spectrum.Schizophrenia Bulletin.2018;45(1):106-113. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbx183Isenhardt A, Kamenowski M, Manzoni P, Haymoz S, Jacot C, Baier D.Identity diffusion and extremist attitudes in adolescence.Front Psychol. 2021;12:711466. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.711466Gold N, Kyratsous M.Self and identity in borderline personality sisorder: Agency and mental time travel.Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice. 2017;23(5):1020-1028. doi:10.1111/jep.12769Linehan MM.Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. New York: Guilford Publications; 2018.Kulacaoglu F, Kose S.Borderline personality disorder (BPD): In the midst of vulnerability, chaos, and awe.Brain Sciences. 2018;8(11):201. doi:10.3390/brainsci8110201American Psychological Association.Mentalization. APA Dictionary of Psychology.National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline personality disorder.Choi-Kain LW, Finch EF, Masland SR, Jenkins JA, Unruh BT.What works in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports. 2017;4(1):21-30. doi:10.1007/s40473-017-0103-z

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Gold N, Kyratsous M.Self and identity in borderline personality disorder: Agency and mental time travel.J Eval Clin Pract. 2017;23(5):1020-1028. doi:10.1111/jep.12769Showers CJ, Ditzfeld CP, Zeigler-Hill V.Self-concept structure and the quality of self-knowledge.J Pers. 2015;83(5):535-551. doi:10.1111/jopy.12130De Meulemeester C, Lowyck B, Vermote R, Verhaest Y, Luyten P.Mentalizing and interpersonal problems in borderline personality disorder: The mediating role of identity diffusion.Psychiatry Research. 2017;258:141-144. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.09.061Zandersen M, Parnas J.Identity disturbance, feelings of emptiness, and the boundaries of the schizophrenia spectrum.Schizophrenia Bulletin.2018;45(1):106-113. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbx183Isenhardt A, Kamenowski M, Manzoni P, Haymoz S, Jacot C, Baier D.Identity diffusion and extremist attitudes in adolescence.Front Psychol. 2021;12:711466. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.711466Gold N, Kyratsous M.Self and identity in borderline personality sisorder: Agency and mental time travel.Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice. 2017;23(5):1020-1028. doi:10.1111/jep.12769Linehan MM.Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. New York: Guilford Publications; 2018.Kulacaoglu F, Kose S.Borderline personality disorder (BPD): In the midst of vulnerability, chaos, and awe.Brain Sciences. 2018;8(11):201. doi:10.3390/brainsci8110201American Psychological Association.Mentalization. APA Dictionary of Psychology.National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline personality disorder.Choi-Kain LW, Finch EF, Masland SR, Jenkins JA, Unruh BT.What works in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports. 2017;4(1):21-30. doi:10.1007/s40473-017-0103-z

Gold N, Kyratsous M.Self and identity in borderline personality disorder: Agency and mental time travel.J Eval Clin Pract. 2017;23(5):1020-1028. doi:10.1111/jep.12769

Showers CJ, Ditzfeld CP, Zeigler-Hill V.Self-concept structure and the quality of self-knowledge.J Pers. 2015;83(5):535-551. doi:10.1111/jopy.12130

De Meulemeester C, Lowyck B, Vermote R, Verhaest Y, Luyten P.Mentalizing and interpersonal problems in borderline personality disorder: The mediating role of identity diffusion.Psychiatry Research. 2017;258:141-144. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.09.061

Zandersen M, Parnas J.Identity disturbance, feelings of emptiness, and the boundaries of the schizophrenia spectrum.Schizophrenia Bulletin.2018;45(1):106-113. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbx183

Isenhardt A, Kamenowski M, Manzoni P, Haymoz S, Jacot C, Baier D.Identity diffusion and extremist attitudes in adolescence.Front Psychol. 2021;12:711466. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.711466

Gold N, Kyratsous M.Self and identity in borderline personality sisorder: Agency and mental time travel.Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice. 2017;23(5):1020-1028. doi:10.1111/jep.12769

Linehan MM.Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. New York: Guilford Publications; 2018.

Kulacaoglu F, Kose S.Borderline personality disorder (BPD): In the midst of vulnerability, chaos, and awe.Brain Sciences. 2018;8(11):201. doi:10.3390/brainsci8110201

American Psychological Association.Mentalization. APA Dictionary of Psychology.

National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline personality disorder.

Choi-Kain LW, Finch EF, Masland SR, Jenkins JA, Unruh BT.What works in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports. 2017;4(1):21-30. doi:10.1007/s40473-017-0103-z

Meet Our Review Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

What is your feedback?