What this test explores
You’ll get scores across four dimensions:
- Limit-setting difficulty – how hard it feels to say no and set clear limits.
- Guilt & approval-seeking – fear of disappointing others and feeling guilty after setting limits.
- Overexplaining & avoidance – needing long justifications or avoiding difficult conversations.
- Assertive communication – stating needs directly and respectfully (protective factor).
A higher boundaries difficulty index suggests more struggles with boundaries. Higher assertive communication can protect against people-pleasing. This test cannot diagnose any condition; it’s meant for self-reflection.
How the test works
You’ll see one statement at a time. Answer based on your typical experience over the last few months. All questions are required.
Building boundaries: practical steps
- Use a short “no”: “I can’t” / “Not this time” (no long debate).
- Delay your answer: “Let me check and get back to you.”
- State one limit + one option: “I can talk for 10 minutes, then I need to go.”
- Expect discomfort: guilt may show up even when your boundary is healthy.