One theory of the gender distinctions between BPD symptology discusses not the individual dimensions of difference, but the wider picture depicted by the theme of the dimensions. It is possible that men are more likely to externalize their symptoms of mental illness, a process characterized by behavioral symptoms directed outwards and towards others. Notably, their gender-unique symptoms of explosive temperament and novelty-seeking are both externalizing. Contrastingly, women's gender-unique symptoms of BPD include affective instability, which is an internalized symptom.