Study title

The data consists of writings in which respondents describe their experiences of setting boundaries when a person close to them has a mental health or substance abuse problem. In the writing guidelines, respondents were asked to give a free-form description of using boundaries as a coping tool. In addition, participants were asked to describe how their own life has been affected by the mental health or substance abuse challenges of a loved one and what feelings they have associated with setting boundaries. Support from the service system in relation to setting boundaries was also of interest. The writings also include descriptions of the ways in which people have tried to set boundaries in their relationships and whether setting boundaries has been an easy or difficult decision to make. Further questions were asked about the challenges and benefits of setting boundaries and whether they had led to conflicts in relationships. Background information included the participant's gender and age group. The data were organised into an easy to use HTML version at FSD.