OVER-RESPONSIBILITY'S LINK TO ANXIETY, STRESS AND BOUNDARY VIOLATIONS

Over-responsibility has been linked to increased anxiety and stress in psychological research, particularly in relation to burnout, guilt, and difficulty setting boundaries.

A study published in Cognitive Therapy and Research (2017) found that inflated responsibility beliefs—feeling excessively responsible for others' well-being or outcomes—were strongly associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. This tendency leads to hyper-vigilance, excessive worry, and a fear of making mistakes that might harm others, reinforcing a cycle of anxiety.

Another study in Journal of Occupational Health Psychology (2020) examined over-responsibility in workplace settings and found that individuals who take on more than their fair share of emotional or practical burdens were at greater risk for burnout, chronic stress, and difficulty disengaging from work-related concerns. This pattern often leads to physical exhaustion, emotional depletion, and resentment, further exacerbating anxiety.

Additionally, research in Clinical Psychology Review (2018) highlighted that over-responsibility is a common trait in individuals with people-pleasing tendencies and perfectionism, making them more prone to self-sacrifice, guilt-driven behaviors, and difficulty prioritizing their own needs. Over time, this contributes to chronic stress and an increased risk of anxiety disorders.

In summary, over-responsibility doesn’t just lead to being “helpful”—it often results in excessive stress, worry, and an inability to step back, making it a critical focus for boundary work and stress management.