This book investigates the core psychological mechanisms underlying borderline personality disorder, focusing on the concept of dissociation and its impact on the sense of self. Russell Meares, drawing on his extensive clinical experience, presents a theoretical framework that explains how fragmented self-experience contributes to the characteristic emotional dysregulation and interpersonal difficulties seen in this disorder. The work synthesizes psychoanalytic concepts with contemporary psychological research to offer a cohesive model of the disorder's etiology and presentation.

This work is recognized within clinical psychology circles for its in-depth theoretical exploration of borderline personality disorder. Meares's model offers a nuanced perspective on the subjective experience of individuals with the disorder, emphasizing the role of dissociation in shaping their sense of self. The book is likely to appeal to clinicians and researchers seeking a deeper understanding of the psychological underpinnings of BPD.