BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER DEPICTED IN THE MAIN CHARACTER OF THE NETFLIX SERIES YOU

Abstract

This study analyzes Joe Goldberg, the main character in the Netflix series You, who exhibits a mental disorder called borderline personality disorder (BPD). This study uses the theory of borderline personality disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) and a qualitative descriptive method. The results show six out of nine BPD symptoms in Joe. These include unstable and intense relationships, impulsivity, transient stress-related paranoid ideation or dissociative symptoms, frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, chronic feelings of emptiness, and identity disturbance. Unstable relationships and impulsivity are the most dominant symptoms. Identity disturbance is the least dominant symptom. This study also identifies environmental factors that cause Joes BPD. His childhood experiences of emotional neglect, being neglected, and physical abuse significantly shaped his mental disorder. Emotional neglect emerges as the most influential factor, contributing to symptoms like unstable relationships, identity disturbance, and chronic feelings of emptiness. Lack of supervision during his childhood is linked to his frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, while physical abuse correlates with his impulsivity and paranoid ideation. In conclusion, Joes BPD is rooted in adverse childhood experiences, with emotional neglect playing the most critical role. These environmental factors strongly influenced the development and manifestation of his symptoms throughout the series.