Codependency – Behavioral pattern where one person becomes excessively reliant on another for emotional well-being and self-identity. Includes self-worth, and validation.
Maladaptive – Not providing adequate or appropriate adjustment to the environment or situation.
Co-Dependency is a maladaptive dynamic that often arises from underlying issues such as low self-esteem, fear of rejection, and a lack of healthy boundaries.
Purpose: Understanding dynamics of codependency is crucial for promoting mental well-being and fostering healthier, more balanced social relationships.
Types of Co-Dependency:
- Caretaking
- Enabling
- Emotional manipulation
- Lack of boundaries
- Low self-esteem
- Denial of personal needs
- Obsession with others’ problems
- Difficulty saying no
- Seeking validation through others
- Fear of abandonment
Common Signs of Co-Dependency:
- Difficulty setting boundaries.
- Constantly seeking approval and validation from others.
- Putting others’ needs above one’s own.
- Fear of rejection or abandonment.
- Overly controlling or caretaking behavior.
- Difficulty expressing one’s feelings and needs.
- Strong desire to please others, even at personal expense.
- Feeling responsible for others’ emotions and actions.
- Neglecting one’s own interests and hobbies.
- Tendency to attract and maintain relationships with emotionally unavailable or abusive individuals.
| Co-Dependency | Dependency |
|---|---|
| Dysfunctional relationship pattern with excessive reliance on another for emotional, psychological, or physical needs | Normal and healthy reliance on others for support, guidance, or resources; A natural part of human interdependence |
| Low self-esteem, prioritizing others’ needs over their own | Does not involve enabling unhealthy behavior or neglecting one’s own needs |
| Enabling destructive behavior to maintain the relationship | Allows seeking help while maintaining autonomy |
Different causes for developing the signs of codependency include:
- Dysfunctional family dynamics or upbringing.
- Childhood trauma or neglect.
- Low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy.
- Enabling behaviors in relationships.
- Fear of abandonment or rejection.
- Emotional dependency on others for validation.
- Role models with codependent behaviors.
- Substance abuse or addiction in the family.
- Lack of healthy relationship boundaries.
- Difficulty coping with emotions and stress.
Positive Manipulation – For the benefit of the patient/partner.
Negative Manipulation – Taking something for themselves from the situation.
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