STEPPS for over-controlled and under-controlled emotional dysregulation in older adults with personality disorders: A case study
Ekiz,Erol Videler,Arjan C. Ouwens,Machteld A. van Alphen,Sebastiaan P.J.
Ekiz,Erol
Videler,Arjan C.
Ouwens,Machteld A.
van Alphen,Sebastiaan P.J.
Abstract
Objectives: This paper aims to present a clinical illustration of under-controlled and over-controlled emotional dysregulation behaviors in older adults with personality disorders (PD). Furthermore, another aim is to explore how Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving for Older Adults (STEPPS-OA) can be useful for both types of emotional dysregulation. Methods: A 65-year-old woman with emotional under-control and a 67-year-old woman with emotional over-control participated in STEPPS-OA. STEPPS-OA is a treatment program consisting of 21 weekly group sessions, individual sessions and support group meetings. Results: The participant with under-control struggled with impulsivity and destructive behaviors. She learned to use techniques to recognize the buildup of tension and manage emotions. The participant with over-control struggled with difficulties in differentiating and expressing emotions. She learned to use techniques to recognize suppressed feelings and began practicing assertive behaviors. Conclusions: Emotional dysregulation can occur from either over-controlled or under-controlled behaviors in older adults with PD. STEPPS-OA seems to be a promising treatment option for both types of behavior because the interventions seem to fit both cases. Clinical implications: STEPPS-OA is a promising treatment option for older adults with PD and emotional over-controlled and under-controlled behaviors.
Description
Projectcode: 4200E022
Date
2025-05-21
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Keywords
emotional dysregulation, older adults, over-control, personality disorder, psychotherapy, under-control
Citation
Ekiz, E, Videler, A C, Ouwens, M A & van Alphen, S P J 2025, 'STEPPS for over-controlled and under-controlled emotional dysregulation in older adults with personality disorders : A case study', Clinical Gerontologist. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2025.2506769
License
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess