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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2021, 23, N5 (pages: 67 - 73)

What makes a co-dependent partner? - A linear regression model

Knapek É., Balázs K., and Kuritárné Szabó I.

Summary: Background: Co-dependency can be conceptualized as a behavioural addiction. It can play a role in maintaining other addictive behaviours in partners or family members. In the treatment of addictions, we highly recommend that every attempt be made to better understand the phenomenon of co-dependency and its background – best viewed as a possible mental problem experienced by the partners or family members of clients with addiction. In order to understand its background, the aim of this study has been to identify the factors best able to predict co-dependency. Methods: 192 individuals were recruited. The test battery consisted of demographic variables, a co-dependency questionnaire, an interview centred on borderline traits, a screening test of dependent traits, and questionnaires about traumatic antecedents, early maladaptive schemata and parentification. Results: A linear regression model of co-dependency was identified by our study team. The factors that demonstrated their capacity to predict co-dependency were: (1) Subjugation schema/schemata, (2) Any other mental disorder diagnosis, (3) Self-sacrifice schema/schemata, (4) Gender (5) The number of borderline traits displayed by each individual, (6) The number of early maladaptive schemata appearing in each individual's history, and (7) Parentification. Conclusions: The aim of this study has been to define the predictive factors of co-dependency while monitoring borderline personality traits. Based on our results, the recognition and prediction of co-dependency should, from now on, be easier.