This study aimed to examine the mediating effects of mindfulness on the relationship between borderline personality trait and psychological distress.

529 female undergraduates participated to complete self-report questionnaires.

Correlational analyses showed that borderline personality trait was positively associated with psychological distress and negatively associated with mindfulness, and mindfulness was negatively related to psychological distress. Regression analyses suggested that low level of mindfulness partially mediated the relationship between borderline personality trait and psychological distress. Among mindfulness facets ‘acting with awareness,’ ‘nonjudging,’ and ‘nonreactivity’ had significant mediating effects.

Borderline personality trait affects psychological distress through low mindfulness―specifically in acting with awareness, nonjudging, or nonreactivity. This finding suggests that intervention focusing on these mindfulness facets may be helpful for those with borderline trait and psychological distress.