Hi there,

I'm trying to understand "BPD splitting" at the moment and why it is described as a defense mechanism. 

Why is experiencing things in black and white a defense mechanism? How does it actually help to think this way if you suffer from BPD?  I've read that BPD people use splitting subconsciously as a way to defend themselves against  rejection and abandonment but also against difficult emotions. 

For example, if someone with BPD has a couple of unpleasant interactions with a family member that causes them shame or embarrassment which results in that person refusing to interact with the family member for a long time I assume that would be considered an example of splitting I assume?  

How does splitting help the feelings of embarrassment that the BPD suffers in this particular example? I don't understand why black and white thinking helps these intense emotions.

&amp;#x200B;

Any helpful information would be appreciated.