Statistics
BPD, post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, HC
Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27. Demographic variables were analyzed using t-tests for continuous variables and A 2 (overinclusion vs. exclusion) × 2 (BPD vs. HC) ANOVA was carried out for cognitive empathy. Percentage of correct answers served as dependent variable. In a mixed model ANOVA, we evaluated whether emotional empathy differed for negative and positive emotions. Group and Cyberball condition served as between-subjects factors and valence (positive and negative emotions) as within-subjects factor. Mean emotional empathy scores served as dependent variables. Post hoc t-tests were Bonferroni corrected for multiple testing. In addition, we included baseline mood as a covariate into our main analysis on emotional empathy. In the BPD group, we analyzed whether post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and intake of psychotropic medication affected empathy in 2 × 2 ANOVAs.Results on the MDMQ were analyzed using repeated measures (rm-)ANOVAs with condition and group as between-subjects factors and two measurement time points (before and after Cyberball) as within-subjects factors. NTQ scores were analyzed in 2 (overinclusion vs. exclusion) × 2 (BPD vs. HC) ANOVAs as well.Cortisol and sAA values were log-transformed due to non-normal distribution and were each analyzed using rm-ANOVAs with the within-subjects factor time (0 min, + 20 min, + 35 min) and between-subjects factors group and condition.