Abstract
The concept of the borderline child is reviewed in this paper. Questions are raised about the generally held assumption that a similarity exists between the dynamics of borderline children and those of borderline adults. It is suggested that no data is currently available to substantiate such a view. Further questions are raised about the assumption that the etiology of the disorder in childhood is based on poor or improper nurturance. A working definition of the concept of the borderline child is proposed that is free of preconceptions as to the etiology of the dysfunction. A hypothesis is presented for further investigation that at least some borderline children's etiology may be found in the presence of a minimal brain dysfunction or a severe learning disability.
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Palombo, J. Critical review of the concept of the borderline child. Clin Soc Work J 10, 246–264 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00755941
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00755941