Codependency: An Empirical Study from a Systemic Perspective
Source: Contemporary Family Therapy, Volume 21, Number 4, December 1999 , pp. 505-526(22)
Publisher: Springer
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Abstract:
To empirically investigate the construct validity of codependency, differences between young adults on a measure of codependency on theoretically relevant variables were examined. Compared with individuals who scored low on codependency, those who obtained high scores reported significantly more family of origin difficulties and parental mental health problems, problematic intimate relationships including relationships with chemically dependent partners, and personal psychological problems including compulsivity. Contrary to prevailing theoretical predictions the high codependency group did not contain more individuals whose parents had alcohol or drug abuse problems, or a higher level of childhood physical or sexual abuse. These results suggest that co-dependency is one aspect of wider multigenerational family systems problems which are not unique to families where drug and alcohol abuse or physical and sexual abuse are major concerns.
Keywords: codependency; substance abuse; family of origin
Language: English
Document Type: Research article
Affiliations: 1: Western Health Board, Ballinsaloe, County Galway, Ireland 2: Director of the clinical psychology training programme, Department of Psychology, Science Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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