Maternal perceptions were assessed, using the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) in 19 subjects with schizophrenia, 14 subjects with borderline personality disorder and 15 non-clinical subjects. Subjects with schizophrenia and subjects with borderline personality disorder reported significantly less care and more overprotection than did non-clinical subjects. No significant differences were found in representations by subjects with schizophrenia and subjects with borderline personality disorders. To the extent that the reported negative maternal behaviour gives a true picture of childhood and adolescent experiences, it does not seem to be specific for schizophrenia, but may be one factor in the development of severe mental disorders.