How could one investigate if the use of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is effective in reducing self-harm behaviors in individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD)? Organizing a controlled trial where BPD patients are randomly assigned to receive either DBT or standard psychiatric care, while tracking incidence of self-harm actions over time. Longitudinal observational study monitoring the progression of self-harm tendencies in BPD individuals without any intervention, focusing on those who voluntarily choose to engage in DBT. A correlational study examining whether higher engagement in DBT relates to decreased rates of self-harming behaviors among BPD patients. Qualitative interviews with BPD patients about their experiences with DBT and feelings related to self-harm.
