What is used to establish boundaries between the self and other people?

The correct answer is self-awareness, as it plays a crucial role in helping individuals recognize and differentiate their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from those of others. Self-awareness enables a person to understand their own identity, preferences, and motivations, which is essential for setting personal boundaries.

When someone is self-aware, they can identify what they are comfortable with, how they wish to interact with others, and where their limits lie. This understanding fosters healthy relationships by allowing individuals to communicate their needs effectively and avoid overstepping others' boundaries.

While social comparison and social identity provide insights into how individuals relate to others and construct their own identities within social contexts, they do not specifically address the establishment of personal boundaries. Empathy enhances connection and understanding of others' feelings but does not inherently define or delineate boundaries for oneself. Self-awareness, therefore, is critical in the process of recognizing and maintaining personal boundaries in interactions with others.