The study found that children whose mothers had BPD scored higher on "harm avoidance" compared with children of mothers with depressive disorders, or cluster C personality disorders, or without psychiatric conditions. Persons high in harm avoidance tend to be more tense, worried, nervous, insecure, passive, negative, or pessimistic. They also tend to be inhibited and shy in most social situations. Consequently, they need more positive feedback and encouragement. These children are likely to be particularly sensitive to strict parental control and criticism. The study also found that children whose mothers had BPD more often described their mothers as overprotective. Another key finding was the higher prevalence of psychopathology among children with mothers having BPD compared with children in the three other groups. Children of mothers with BPD tended to have lower self-esteem, attention problems, and delinquent and aggressive behavior. Clinicians should be aware that children of mothers with BPD are exposed to a combination of risk factors that can lead to behavioral, emotional, and physical problems. This study derived from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania, Germany, which focused on 315 families with children between the ages of 11 and 18. Twenty-three children of mothers with BPD were compared with children of mothers with depressive disorders, with cluster C personality disorders, and without psychiatric conditions. The children in the four groups were compared on temperament dimensions, perceived parenting behavior, and psychopathology. 3 tables, 1 figure, and 36 references