Psychological boundaries

Psychological boundaries are an understanding of the self as separate from others. Otherwise, they are also called personal boundaries.

The psychological boundaries of man - a conscious separation of his own "I" from others and its limits. Borders define a person, his abilities, desires, feelings and relationships with other people. If the body belongs to the physical boundaries of a person, then the space and sensations that separate it from other people belong to the psychological boundaries.

Often in psychology we are talking about violating personal boundaries. Violation of personal boundaries takes place if a person neglects his personal boundaries or the boundaries of other people. An example in the first case can be a person who is not able to refuse others a request, even if its implementation will cost him tremendous effort and emotional stress. In the second case, one can cite as an example a person who is imposing himself on others with requests or stories, not wanting to make sure that people are ready to listen to him.

In both cases, there is neurotic compensation , that is, people with violated boundaries sometimes turn out to be neurotics , although people in the norm often break the boundaries.

A confidence boundary is the psychological distance at which a person is ready to let another into himself. Confidence boundaries are individual and are established in personal contact with another person. For example, with one colleague I prefer to communicate only on business occasions, and with another I can discuss art and politics .

In psychology, confidential boundaries refer to personal psychological defensive boundaries. (The topic of protective boundaries is considered in psychoanalysis ).

Psychological boundaries can be defining and protective. That is, psychological boundaries include two types. Defining boundaries are associated with our values , attitudes and norms, they determine our personality. Defining boundaries serve to identify the individual. Thanks to this type of boundaries, a person determines for himself and informs others about who he is.

Protective borders serve to protect a person’s own “I” from painful, threatening ( self-esteem or values) impressions . By definition, the similarity of protective boundaries with protective mechanisms can be seen, however, a protective mechanism is a process aimed at minimizing negative experiences. The border is not a process, but a given (sensation). In addition, boundaries may well be conscious, while defense mechanisms are unconscious mental processes. The establishment of protective boundaries makes relations with people comfortable and harmonious. That is, boundaries are a conscious way to protect yourself from emotional harm. Protective borders are a certain kind of contract with others. Unlike defining boundaries, protective borders are more mobile: protective borders can be moved or eliminated in the event of the disappearance of a potential threat and the establishment of a trusting relationship.

The psychological boundaries of different people can be more or less stable and to some extent have strict boundaries, the violation of which always leads to discomfort.