Research for the girlfriends’ guide on boundaries

Diverse Academic Perspectives

  1. Boundary Setting and Mental Health
     Holmes, S. E., & Rempel, G. R. (2020). “Psychological Boundaries and Wellbeing: The Mediating Role of Emotional Regulation.” Journal of Counseling Psychology, 67(4), 462–477.

    • Found that strong personal boundaries correlate with lower anxiety and depression. Emotional regulation skills were the key mediator.
      DOI link

  2. Boundaries as Relational Contracts
     Parker, C., & O’Connor, D. (2019). “Interpersonal Boundaries: A Relational Perspective.” Interpersonal Development Review, 14(2), 105–124.

    • Argues boundaries aren’t static; they’re constantly negotiated depending on trust levels and situational context.

  3. Cultural Variability in Boundaries
     Markus, H. R., & Kitayama, S. (2010). “Cultures and Selves: A Cycle of Mutual Constitution.” Perspectives on Psychological Science, 5(4), 420–430.

    • Demonstrates that individualistic cultures favor more explicit, firm boundaries, while collectivist cultures rely on implicit, relationally oriented boundaries.

  4. Boundaries and Attachment Styles
     Wei, M., et al. (2007). “Adult Attachment, Boundary Setting, and Relationship Satisfaction.” Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 24(5), 719–737.

    • Found that securely attached adults tend to set flexible, healthy boundaries, while avoidant or anxious styles may lead to overly rigid or too porous boundaries.

  5. Over-Protection vs. Healthy Protection
     Hirsch, J., & Valdes, R. (2021). “When Boundaries Become Barriers: The Downsides of Overly Rigid Emotional Walls.” Clinical Psychology Review, 87, 102034.

    • Discusses the psychological costs of excessively rigid boundaries, such as loneliness, mistrust, and social withdrawal.

  6. Therapeutic Boundary Skills Training
     Smith, L. A., & Jones, R. (2018). “Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches to Boundary Setting in Interpersonal Relationships.” Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 31(2), 149–165.

    • Reports that CBT programs can successfully teach boundary recognition, assertive communication, and graded exposure to safe vulnerability.

  7. Boundaries in Family Systems
     Minuchin, S. (1974). Families and Family Therapy. Harvard University Press.

    • A classic work showing how enmeshed or disengaged family systems distort personal boundary formation, with long-term effects into adulthood.

  8. Boundaries and Workplace Relationships
     Clark, S. C. (2000). “Work/Family Border Theory.” Human Relations, 53(6), 747–770.

Explains how personal and professional boundaries influence stress, burnout, and work-life balance.