The Boundaries Inventory is a self-observation questionnaire that maps your personal boundaries across seven areas — physical, emotional, social, sensory, digital, professional and relational. Forty-two short statements, answered on a 1 to 5 scale, in about six minutes.
This is a free, open-access online self-check. Higher scores mean you tend to recognise and hold that kind of boundary more easily; lower scores show where boundaries feel harder to name or protect. You get a score and a radar profile straight away. It is an in-house tool for reflection, not a validated test and not a diagnosis — a way to see patterns and decide what to explore.
Written from a neurodivergence-affirming stance: for many autistic and ADHD adults, sensory and social boundaries are the first to collapse under overload, and years of masking can blur where your own limits even are. Naming them is not selfishness — it is nervous-system care, and it pairs well with looking at burnout and sensory load.
42 statements across 7 areas, about 6 minutes, instant score and radar
In-house reflection tool (Cristea, 2026) — not a validated test
Anonymous and open access — nothing to sign up for
Higher scores mean sturdier boundaries; for orientation, not diagnosis
In-house instrument (Cristea, 2026, v7.0)
Boundaries Inventory
A 42-item inventory mapping personal boundaries across seven core dimensions: physical, emotional, social, sensory, digital, professional, and relational.
"What does this mean?" if a question is not clear, tap this under the question for a plain explanation.
"Not sure about my answer" if your answer is only an approximation, mark it. It does not change the score — it just shows me where we can come back together.
42 items -- ~6 min
Local-first - your data stays on device
0 / 420%
Keys 1-5 for quick answer
Respond based on how much each statement applies to your life in general, not just right now.
Physical Boundaries
1.I recognize and respect my physical energy limits
2.I can say no when someone enters my personal space
3.I take breaks before reaching exhaustion
4.I can decline physical touch without feeling guilty
5.I recognize my body's signals of overload
6.I plan recovery time after demanding activities
Emotional Boundaries
7.I can identify when others' emotions are affecting me
8.I can communicate how I feel without apologizing for it
9.I recognize the difference between being empathic and absorbing someone else's pain
10.I allow myself to have boundaries around difficult emotional topics
11.I can choose how much of my inner life I share
12.I accept that I don't have to manage other people's emotions
Social Boundaries
13.I can decline social invitations without feeling pressured
14.I set clear time limits for interactions
15.I can leave a social situation when I feel overwhelmed
16.I don't force myself to mask socially when it's not necessary
17.I choose the pace and frequency of social contact
18.I can clearly state what type of communication I prefer
Sensory Boundaries
19.I recognize environments that cause me sensory overload
20.I use regulation tools (headphones, sunglasses, etc.) without embarrassment
21.I can request environmental modifications (light, sound, temperature)
22.I plan sensory recovery time
23.I respect my sensory needs without minimizing them
24.I have a sensory kit ready for challenging situations
Digital Boundaries
25.I have clear limits for screen time
26.I don't reply immediately to messages when I need a break
27.I can turn off notifications without anxiety
28.I have device-free periods in my daily routine
29.I control my exposure to emotional content online
30.I can stop scrolling when I notice it affecting my energy or mood
Professional Boundaries
31.I can decline additional tasks when I'm overloaded
32.I ask for clear instructions and written communication when I need them
33.I maintain the boundary between professional and personal life
34.I can negotiate working conditions that respect my needs
35.I don't feel guilty when using days off for recovery
36.I communicate openly about my work style and accommodation needs
Relational Boundaries
37.I can set boundaries in family relationships without guilt
38.I clearly communicate what I need from partner/friends
39.I recognize when a relationship exceeds my capacity
40.I don't accept pressure for physical or emotional affection
41.I can renegotiate a relationship dynamic when it stops working
42.I respect my need for alone time without justifying it