THE ROLE OF SELF-ESTEEM IN ESTABLISHING PERSONAL BOUNDARIES OF THE INDIVIDUAL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32689/maup.psych.2026.1.10Keywords:
self-esteem, personal boundaries, personality, types of self-esteem, categories of personal boundaries, the relationship between self-esteem and personal boundaries, set personal boundariesAbstract
Background. In conditions of martial law and social instability, the role of self-esteem in personal boundary setting is particularly relevant. Chronic stress, security threats, socio-economic instability, and disruption of daily life reduce individuals’ ability to adequately assess their resources and boundaries. Increased information pressure and social expectations further complicate adaptation. In this context, the development of adequate self-esteem and flexible personal boundaries is essential for psychological well-being and interpersonal functioning. Purpose. To examine self-esteem and its relationship with personal boundary setting. Materials and Methods. The study involved 80 participants aged 18–53, divided into three groups based on psychological education level. Self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, an author’s questionnaire based on G. M. Kazantseva’s method, and a rapid diagnostic tool. An author-developed instrument was used to assess personal boundaries. Results and Discussion. Findings show that self-esteem and personal boundaries are insufficiently studied in their interrelation. Higher self-esteem is associated with a greater presence of healthy (flexible) boundaries, while psychological education enhances boundary formation. A significant positive correlation was found between selfesteem and flexible boundaries, and a significant negative correlation with porous boundaries, indicating their increase at lower self-esteem levels. Conclusions. Self-esteem is positively associated with flexible personal boundaries, whereas lower self-esteem is linked to porous or rigid boundaries that hinder social interaction. Psychological education reduces the need for boundary establishment, highlighting the importance of psychoeducational programs.
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