Predicting boundary violation propensity among mental health professionals

Abstract

Despite its clear importance, there have been very few empirical investigations of boundary violation propensity among mental health professionals. The present study explored the relationships between self-reported propensity for boundary violations and predictors theorized to increase their likelihood. Australian mental health professionals (N = 275) completed an online questionnaire battery including demographics, the Sexual Boundary Violation Index, Boundaries In Practice Scale, Boundary Violations Propensity Questionnaire, Marlow-Crowne Social Desirability Scale, Circumplex of Interpersonal Problems, Brief Inventory of Pathological Narcissism, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Brief Version, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire, Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Regression analysis was used to identify unique predictors. Boundary violation propensity was associated with nurturant interpersonal styles in females and dominant interpersonal styles in males. In regression analysis, unique predictors for male boundary violation propensity were grandiose narcissism, vulnerable narcissism, self-centred interpersonal traits, and low levels of empathic concern. For females, unique predictors were impulsivity, childhood adversity, self-sacrificing interpersonal traits, and vulnerable narcissism. In addition to informing theory about those at risk of perpetrating boundary violations, the identified predictors can inform those involved in selection for training programmes and staff appointments and serve as markers for providing closer supervision.

Keywords: interpersonal circumplex; mental-health professionals; narcissism; professional ethics; therapeutic boundaries.