Prototypic typology and borderline diagnoses

A prototypic model of object and person classification is contrasted with dimensional and classical categorical models. Borderline diagnoses are then discussed within a prototypic model of classification. The history of the Borderline construct is organized according to whether there was an emphasis on the characterologic, schizophrenic, or affective boundaries of the borderline diagnosis. The construct validity for a prototypic Borderline diagnosis is then reviewed. Convergent and discriminant evidence, physiological and psychometric laboratory data, follow-up predictions, and familial data are considered. Fruitful as well as problematic areas for future research are presented.