Author and presenter Aida Bao released a video on June 11 [1] explaining why individuals must set limits with family members to protect their psychological well-being.

Establishing these boundaries is critical because it prevents the perpetuation of unhealthy inherited roles and customs that can become chronic over time. By asserting personal autonomy, individuals can safeguard their mental health from the strain of dysfunctional family dynamics.

Bao's presentation, published via El País [1], emphasizes that failing to set these limits can lead to a cycle of behavioral patterns that damage the individual's stability. The guidance suggests that these boundaries are not meant to alienate family members, but to create a sustainable environment for all parties involved.

This perspective aligns with broader psychological discourse on family systems. For example, a report from Infobae on April 23 [2] discussed the application of psychology in setting family limits to maintain emotional health. These practices aim to stop the transmission of toxic traits across generations.

Psychologist Marta Martínez Novoa said the process of establishing these boundaries is an act of love, according to reporting by MSN. This framing suggests that limits are a tool for preserving relationships rather than destroying them.

Conversely, the lack of empathy within family structures can be exacerbated by untreated conditions. Miguel Ángel Muñoz said that some mental disorders can prevent family members from viewing others with sufficient empathy, according to MSN.

Ultimately, the goal of setting boundaries is to ensure that personal identity is not subsumed by family expectations. This process requires a conscious effort to identify which inherited roles are harmful, and a commitment to changing those interactions before the psychological damage becomes permanent [1].

“Poner límites con la familia es un acto de amor”

The emphasis on boundary-setting reflects a growing shift in public health and psychology toward recognizing 'generational trauma.' By framing limits as a necessary component of mental hygiene rather than a betrayal of kinship, experts are encouraging a transition from collective family obligation to individual psychological autonomy.