Situational stressors that are extraordinarily common in the lives of professionals, which further increase the risk for sexual boundary violations. These include:
- High Workload or Burnout: Whilst being in the business of caring for others, many clinicians struggle to prioritize self-care. Being overwhelmed with tasks can lead to fatigue, loss of enthusiasm for one’s profession and resentment. A person may become more informal or lenient in their behavior due to stress, emotionally drain, individuals might blur the line between personal and professional interactions, seeking comfort or validation in inappropriate ways.
- Social Isolation or Loneliness: Feeling disconnected from others can make someone more likely to seek out emotional support in inappropriate relationships, crossing emotional or personal boundaries.
- Marital/Family Problems: Events like a divorce, illness, or family issues can distract individuals, lowering their emotional defenses and making them more susceptible to crossing boundaries as a means of coping.
- Crisis Situations: In moments of crisis or emergencies, individuals may act impulsively or overlook normal boundaries, focusing on resolving the immediate situation rather than long-term consequences.
- Financial Stress: Financial pressures can lead to a person compromising their ethical boundaries to meet immediate needs or gain a perceived advantage.
Recognizing these stressors can help individuals become more aware of situations where boundaries may be at risk of being crossed and take proactive steps to prevent it.