ON THE PROBLEM OF DEFINING THE PHENOMENON OF CODEPENDENCY: A THEORETICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The relevance of the research topic. The article is devoted to a theoretical analysis of the phenomenon of codependency. Research methodology. A theoretical analysis of the main approaches to defining codependency and their correspondence to different levels of psychological analysis was conducted. Results. A conceptualization of codependency as a “syndrome of response to a significant other’s illness” is proposed, along with a model of its development as an interaction between reactive and personality-based factors. Four levels of severity of codependent behavior (normative, neurotic, borderline, and psychotic) are identified, and their underlying psychological mechanisms are described. Key findings. The study substantiates the relevance of a humanistic approach in working with codependent reactions and offers a critical reconsideration of rigid directive interventions.