How codependency affects dyadic coping, relationship perception and life satisfaction

Abstract

In this study, we interpret codependency as a dysfunctional pattern of relating to others, and based on this approach, we hypothesized an association with negative forms of dyadic coping, relationship problems and life satisfaction. A total of 246 Hungarian participants (167 females, 79 males), aged 18–72 years (M = 35.3, SD = 11.6) completed our online survey including measures of codependency, dyadic coping, perceptions of relationship, and life satisfaction. In our cross-sectional research, the Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale (SF-CDS), the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI), the Shortened Marital Stress Scale (MSS-R), and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) were used. Correlational and pathway analyzes were applied to confirm our hypotheses. Codependency was associated with negative dyadic coping, while we found no measurable influence on positive dyadic coping. Individuals with higher codependency rated both their own and their partner’s negative dyadic coping more pronounced, while at the same time they characterized their relationships as more problematic. Structural Equation Modelling proved that codependent attitudes, along with the emergence of negative dyadic coping forms and perception of relationship problems, reduce a person’s life satisfaction. Overall, it can be stated that the more codependent the participants were, the more negative their own and partner’s behaviour was perceived in stressful situations and the more problematic their intimate relationship was found to be. Our results support the idea that codependency is a specific, largely stable attitude that determines a person’s perception and behaviour relating to others.

Personality Traits, Approval Motivation, and Empathy as Predictors of Cognitive Regulation of Emotions and Behavioral Self-Control in Codependent Women

“…Studies on coping mechanisms of codependents emphasize the prevalence of dysfunctional attitudes, including catastrophizing and self-blaming responses (Happ, et al, 2022;Kupchenko, 2020;Politika, 2020). However, our findings reveal a variety of coping strategies, indicating a more diverse coping mechanisms.…”

“…In the behavioral aspect, a tendency to obsessions, loss of personal autonomy, a predominance of catastrophizing reactions, a tendency to self-aggression and self-destructive behavior were shown (Stryapukhina, 2021;Kupchenko, 2020;Rozhnova T. M. et al, 2020;Kolenova and Gurtskoy, 2019;Buzik and Efimova, 2019;Perminova, 2017;Merinov et al, 2015). Codependency, as a dysfunctional form of relationships, is significantly associated with negative forms of dyadic adaptation in couples, relationship problems, and reduced life satisfaction (Happ, et al, 2022). There is also evidence of the absence or blurring of psychological boundaries and a tendency to violate them with others, negative attitudes towards theirs self and others, as well as a lack of personal coping resources (Khazova and Varioshkina, 2022;Kolenova, 2019;Tasheva and Bedredinova, 2016).…”

Mental Health States of Housewives: an Evaluation in Terms of Self-perception and Codependency

“…The traditional family structure exists because the woman should focus on her family first and expects the housewife to devote herself to her family (Koç et al, 2017;Tire, 2017). This view is also adopted in Turkish culture, and women in particular focus on the health and well-being of others by giving too much importance to "what others think" (Altuntaş & Altınova, 2015;Happ et al, 2022;Karaşar, 2021). When the studies in the literature are examined, it is stated that the codependence caused by this view causes women to consume all their physical and mental capital and to experience serious mental problems (Karaşar, 2021;Khanna & Khatri, 2021).…”

“…When the current literature is examined, it is seen that the relationship of codependency with various variables in different samples is a frequently studied subject (Aristizábal, 2020;Bacon et al, 2020;Happ et al, 2022;Karaşar, 2021;Orbon et al, 2021;Rozhnova et al, 2020). However, it has been determined that studies that examine a special sample such as housewives with a broad perspective such as general mental health are insufficient.…”

Harmonious Husband and Wife Relationship:

“…While accurate, individuals tend to see life and the relationships they have more realistically, and the expectations they have of the relationship are in line with the experiences they have in the relationship (Falconer et al, 2015). Happ et al (2023)say that individuals with accurate expectations can correct their partners more effectively, understand their partners' needs better, and also anticipate behaviors that will arise from their partners.…”