Ambulatory measurement of emotional dysfunction in borderline personality disorder

Empirical research has used many methods and measures to study emotional dysfunction in borderline personality disorder (BPD) in controlled laboratory settings. Equally important, however, is the need to use externally valid laboratory and field methods to understand the real-world, personally relevant contexts in which difficulties with emotional functioning occur in BPD. Prospective and longitudinal methods using mobile technologies, such as ecological momentary assessment and ambulatory behavioral and psychophysiological measurement, allow researchers to investigate emotional and behavioral processes over time and in relevant contexts. Researchers in recent years have begun to use these methods to better understand emotional processes in the daily lives of individuals with BPD. The two primary purposes of the present review are to, firstly, provide an overview of several advances in ambulatory methods used to investigate emotional functioning in BPD and, secondly, offer suggestions for next steps in this area of research.