Learn how to set personal boundaries – Psychologist advises

By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh

Clinical Psychologist and Medical Director at UPSA clinic, Dr. Isaac Newman Arthur has advised individuals to learn the importance of setting personal boundaries by confidently saying “no” to things that do not align with their values.

​In Ghana, cultural norms and societal structures significantly influence individuals’ ability to express dissent. While Ghanaians are certainly capable of refusing or disagreeing, various factors often make such expressions challenging.​ Assertiveness is sometimes misconstrued in Ghanaian society as arrogance or disrespect, particularly when directed towards authority figures. This perception is reinforced by traditional and religious norms that emphasize deference and obedience. A study involving final-year radiography students in Ghana revealed that 75% of participants were reluctant to speak up about patient safety issues during clinical rotations. Reasons included fear of offending superiors and a preference for non-verbal communication methods. Such hesitancy underscores the broader cultural challenges associated with assertiveness in hierarchical settings.

According to Dr. Newman Arthur, establishing healthy boundaries is a crucial step toward achieving peace of mind and personal fulfillment.

“Boundaries protect you from anything that threatens your happiness and peace of mind,” he stated.

He noted that many people struggle to refuse requests because they fear disappointing others, damaging relationships, or being perceived as rude. Speaking on Business Breakfast on Zed FM, Dr. Newman emphasized that saying “no” should not be seen as selfish, but rather as an essential act for emotional well-being and personal growth.

“People are inherently selfish in some way. If you don’t set clear boundaries, they will often push as far as they can without considering your needs,” he explained.

Dr. Newman encouraged individuals to say “no” confidently and without guilt, pointing out that many struggle with this because they care too much about how others perceive them.

“At some point, you need to learn how to say ‘no’ and understand that it’s perfectly okay to do so,” he reiterated. He further stressed the importance of showing concern for others without becoming overly worried, noting that excessive worrying does not solve problems but instead adds unnecessary burden.