Codependent Relationship Definition
Although mental health clinicians recognize codependency when they see it the definition of codependency and who has it has been debated for decades.
Codependent relationship definition. Codependency is an imbalanced relationship pattern where one partner assumes a high cost giver rescuer role and the other the taker victim role. Experts agree that codependent patterns are passed on from one generation to another and that they can be unlearned with help. Codependent relationships are close relationships where much of the love and intimacy in the relationship is experienced in the context of one persons distress and the others rescuing or. Codependency can be defined as any relationship in which two people become so invested in each other that they cant function independently anymore dr.
This circular relationship is the basis of what experts refer to when. In its simplest terms a codependent relationship is when one partner needs the other partner who in turn needs to be needed. Medical definition of codependency. The traditional definition of codependency has focused on control nurturing and maintenance of relationships with individuals who are chemically dependent or engaging in undesirable behaviors.
A psychological condition or a relationship in which a person manifesting low self esteem and a strong desire for approval has an unhealthy attachment to another person and places the needs of that person before his or her own. Codependent relationships signify a degree of unhealthy clinginess where one person doesnt have self sufficiency or autonomy says scott wetzler phd psychology division chief at albert. Codependency is a behavioral condition in a relationship where one person enables another persons addiction poor mental health immaturity irresponsibility or under achievement. Definitions of codependency vary but it is generally defined as a subclinical situational andor episodic behavioral condition similar to that of dependent personality disorder.
Among the core characteristics of codependency is an excessive reliance on other people for approval and a sense of identity.