Examining the Relationship Between Personal Boundaries and Self Esteem on Anxiety Among University Students

Abstract

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent psychological concerns among university students and significantly affects academic functioning, interpersonal relationships, and emotional well-being. Although previous research has examined anxiety in relation to academic stress and coping mechanisms, limited attention has been given to the combined influence of personal boundaries and self-esteem, particularly within collectivistic cultural contexts. The present study investigated the relationship between personal boundaries, self-esteem, and anxiety among university students and examined whether personal boundaries and self-esteem significantly predict anxiety levels. A cross-sectional correlational design was employed with a sample of 50 undergraduate students. Data were collected using the Boundary Questionnaire–18 (BQ-18), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale–7 (GAD-7). Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses were conducted. Results indicated a moderate, positive, and statistically significant relationship between personal boundaries and anxiety, with personal boundaries significantly predicting anxiety levels. However, the relationship between self-esteem and anxiety was weak and non-significant. These findings highlight the importance of boundary-setting skills in understanding anxiety among university students and suggest implications for counseling and mental health interventions in university settings.

Keywords: personal boundaries, self-esteem, anxiety, university students, emotional regulation