Borderline and histrionic personality traits represent Cluster B patterns characterized by dramatic, erratic behaviors, emotional intensity, and unstable interpersonal relationships. In ordinary settings these traits can lead to distress and dysfunction, but in extreme environments such as military combat units, remote expeditions, and space missions, their impact may be especially deleterious. These environments demand exceptional teamwork, stability, and emotional regulation; yet individuals with borderline or histrionic traits often struggle with interpersonal dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity. Moreover, tendencies toward hypersexuality or boundary violations can undermine group cohesion and mission focus. This article examines the neurobiological underpinnings of borderline and histrionic personality features (e.g. limbic hyperreactivity, prefrontal dysregulation, stress-axis instability) and analyzes how these traits manifest in high-stakes, confined team settings.
The Effects of Yoga Therapy on Survivors of Sexual Assault or Abuse: A Trauma-Informed Mind–Body Intervention | Melanie Boling, Boling Expeditionary Research
Survivors of sexual assault frequently endure psychological distress—including PTSD, anxiety, depression—and somatic symptoms. Yoga therapy, particularly trauma-sensitive forms, is gaining attention as a complementary intervention. This article reviews evidence regarding implementation, benefits, and limitations of yoga therapy for this population, and situates it within trauma-informed care frameworks.
Borderline Histrionics and Competitive Fitness Environments | Boling Expeditionary Research
Competitive fitness environments, particularly weightlifting contests, provide fertile ground for the manifestation of these traits. Through intense regimens, social validation, and visual spectacle, these events may function as both coping mechanisms and maladaptive stages for performance-driven identity construction.
Self-Esteem vs Ego // Melanie Boling, Boling Expeditionary Research
When the ego reigns, our emotions cloud our thoughts, and our choices are unproductive and sometimes harmful. When we do not like who we are— which again, is true for all human beings, to varying degrees—we punish ourselves with activities that are disguised as pleasurable: excessive eating, alcohol or drug abuse, jumping between fleeting relationships or sexual partners, and endless, meaningless distractions.
Head in the Clouds. // Melanie Boling, Founder, Imagery Beyond Borders + Peer Wild.
The human body resonates at the same frequency as Mother Earth. So instead of only focusing on trying to save the earth, which operates in congruence to our vibrations, I think it is more important to be one with each other. If you really want to remedy the earth, we have to mend mankind. And to unite mankind, we heal the Earth. That is the only way. Mother Earth will exist with or without us. Yet if she is sick, it is because mankind is sick and separated. And if our vibrations are bad, she reacts to it, as do all living creatures.
Suzy Kassem
About the author:
“Boling's research is part of her Graduate Studies at Harvard University where she examines "extreme environments" and how they can have potential negative impacts on humans operating in the extreme environment. Implementing "psychological field kits" are a way of mitigating negative variables such as abnormal human behavior and abnormal human psychology that can play a role in team degradation.”
Melanie Boling, Extreme (ICE) Environments Neuroscientist, Boling Expeditionary Research Group; and Neuropsychology Graduate Student, Harvard University.