Emotional, Cognitive, and Behavioural Boundaries in Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse: A Correlational Study Between the Empowerment & Boundaries Assessment (EBA) and Obsessive-Compulsive Behavioural Tendencies (MOCS)

Narcissistic abuse is associated with profound impairments in emotional regulation, personal boundaries, and cognitive autonomy. Survivors often exhibit heightened reassurance-seeking, compulsive guilt, and perfectionistic control features that may resemble obsessive-compulsive behavioural tendencies. The present study examined the relationship between boundary empowerment and obsessive-compulsive behavioural patterns in individuals identifying as victims of narcissistic abuse. A sample of 30 adults (ages 24–52) completed the Empowerment & Boundaries Assessment (EBA), while clinicians independently rated participants using the Malhotra Obsessive-Compulsive Scan (MOCS/MOCREST). Pearson correlational analyses revealed significant negative correlations between total EBA scores and MOCS scores, indicating that weaker boundaries were strongly associated with higher obsessive-compulsive behavioural indicators. Findings underscore the role of boundary collapse in the development of compulsive reassurance, control, and cognitive rigidity among survivors of narcissistic abuse.