Spiritual Well-Being as a Predictor of Borderline Personality Traits among Indian Emerging Adults

Abstract

The psychological well-being of Indian emerging adults is increasingly challenged by rapid socio-cultural transitions, often manifesting as emotional instability and identity disturbances associated with borderline personality traits. The present study aimed to examine the role of spiritual well-being as a protective psychological resource against such traits. A sample of 302 Indian young adults participated in the study. Spiritual well-being was assessed using the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), comprising Religious Well-Being (RWB) and Existential Well-Being (EWB), while borderline personality traits were measured using the McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI-BPD). The findings revealed a significant negative relationship between spiritual well-being and borderline personality traits, indicating that individuals with higher levels of spiritual well-being reported lower levels of emotional dysregulation, identity disturbance, and interpersonal instability. Among the two dimensions, existential well-being emerged as a stronger predictor of reduced borderline traits, highlighting the importance of meaning-making and life purpose in psychological stability. The study underscores the relevance of integrating culturally grounded spiritual frameworks within contemporary psychological interventions. It advocates for a shift from deficit-based approaches toward strength-based models, emphasizing spiritual well-being as a vital resource for enhancing resilience and emotional regulation among Indian youth.