Codependency
Introduction Since first recognized in the early 1980’s, the terms “codependency” and “enabler” became popular buzzwords and common self diagnoses. ... Since identified, codependency has been described as a disease, an addiction and a personality disorder (Granello & Beamish,1998). ... The purpose of this paper is to review definitions of codependency and enabling, review some of the past and current research related to these terms, and look at options for treatment for individuals who may have been diagnosed with this “disorder.” Codependency and Enabling : Definitions The term codependent is not easily defined. ... Because codependency seems to be a disorder that can be experienced by anyone with unhealthy relational patterns, researchers have not agreed on a definition, and some have even defined it as a “learned helplessness” (Fuller & Warner, 2000). Codependency has been defined as a pattern of compulsive behaviors and an unhealthy devotion to a relationship at the cost of ones personal and psychological needs (Springer & Britt, 1998). ... The popularity of this concept has led to the interchangeable use of the terms codependency and enabling, which can create even more confusion. Enabling is thought to consist of the actions that can reinforce the continued use of alcohol or other drugs while codependency consists of a variety of previously stated personality traits which may or may not be associated with substance abuse. ... Rotunda (2001) suggests that a more useful approach would be to omit the codependency label altogether because of the lack of a clear definition, and focus on the enabling or coping behaviors exhibited by individual family members. ... Because codependency has become commonly associated as a women’s stereotypical care-taking role, many have questioned whether this behavior is typical of all women. ... Research Studies Concern has been expressed about the lack of consistent empirical research, specifically that information on codependency is typically based on anecdotal information, intuition and beliefs (Granello & Beamish, 1998). Some recent researchers agree that codependency involves relationship patterns, with two people meeting each other’s needs in a dysfunctional manner. ... A number of scales have been developed to attempt to measure and assess codependency, including the Codependency Assessment Inventory, Acquaintance Description Form-C3, Beck Codependence Assessment Scale, A Codependence Test, Co-dependent Relationship Questionnaire, Recovery Potential Survey, Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale and Potter-Efron Codependency Assessment (Fuller & Warner, 2000).