Review and Evaluation of Graduate Theses on Personality Disorders in The Field of Psychology and Clinical Psychology in Turkey Between 2000 and 2024

Abstract

This study aims to examine graduate theses on personality disorders in the field of psychology
and clinical psychology in Turkey between 2000 and 2024. A total of 83 accessible theses from the
National Thesis Center were screened, and 38 theses specific to psychology and clinical
psychology were included. The study employed a temporal scanning model and document
analysis method. Data were analyzed using a thesis tracking form developed by the researchers
and processed through descriptive analysis. Findings show that 79% of the theses were at the
master’s level, while 21% were doctoral. Borderline Personality Disorder was the most frequently
studied disorder (75%). It was also found that quantitative methods were predominantly used
(60%), while no qualitative studies were conducted. The results suggest a limited diversity in
research topics and methodology in theses related to personality disorders, highlighting the need
for more comprehensive and in-depth academic inquiry in this area.