Boundariesfours

Boundariesfours is a term that appears in informal discussions and some self-help resources to describe a four-part framework for delineating personal boundaries in social interactions. The model is presented as a mnemonic to help people identify and communicate limits across different aspects of life. In common usage, the four domains are physical boundaries, emotional boundaries, mental (or cognitive) boundaries, and digital boundaries.

Physical boundaries relate to space, touch, and bodily autonomy; emotional boundaries govern how much others can influence one’s feelings and vulnerability; mental boundaries concern beliefs, opinions, and the right to hold personal viewpoints; digital boundaries govern privacy, online sharing, and acceptable behavior in virtual spaces. Together, these domains provide a structured way to articulate what one will and will not tolerate in various contexts, from family relationships to workplaces.

Origin and status: Boundariesfours does not appear to be a formal theory in psychology or sociology. It has emerged in online communities, blogs, and self-help articles as a simple framework to discuss boundary-setting. Because of its informal nature, variations exist in terminology and the number of domains, with some sources adjusting the names or adding a different category.

Applications: The framework is used as a practical tool for personal development, relationship coaching, workplace communication, and educational settings to help people articulate limits and expectations. Practitioners often pair the model with explicit communication, consent, and strategies for enforcing boundaries.

See also: personal boundary, boundary in psychology, digital boundary, boundary management, consent.