CODEPENDENCE Meaning and
Definition
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Codependence refers to a psychological or behavioral condition in which individuals become excessively reliant on others for their self-worth and sense of identity. It involves a dysfunctional and often one-sided relationship, characterized by an unequal distribution of power, whereby one person is overly dependent on the other. Codependent individuals tend to prioritize the needs and wants of others above their own, often to the point of neglecting their own well-being.
In codependent relationships, there is a strong tendency to enable and support unhealthy behaviors such as addiction, emotional instability, or self-destructive patterns. The codependent person may feel a compulsion to control or fix the other person's problems, meeting their emotional and physical needs at the expense of their own. This often leads to a sense of being taken advantage of, low self-esteem, and a distorted sense of personal boundaries.
Codependence can manifest in various ways, including excessive caretaking, poor decision-making, difficulty asserting one's needs and desires, fear of abandonment, and an inability to function independently. It frequently arises from unresolved childhood trauma or dysfunctional family dynamics.
Treatment for codependence typically involves individual therapy, group therapy, support groups such as Codependents Anonymous, and establishing healthier boundaries and self-care practices. Recognizing and addressing codependence is crucial for individuals to develop healthy, balanced relationships and regain control over their own lives.
Common Misspellings for CODEPENDENCE
- xodependence
- vodependence
- fodependence
- dodependence
- cidependence
- ckdependence
- cldependence
- cpdependence
- c0dependence
- c9dependence
- cosependence
- coxependence
- cocependence
- cofependence
- corependence
- coeependence
- codwpendence
- codspendence
- coddpendence
- codrpendence
Etymology of CODEPENDENCE
The word "codependence" is derived from the prefix "co-" meaning "together" or "mutually", and the term "dependence", which originated from the Latin word "dependēre". "Dependēre" is a compound word formed by the prefix "de-" meaning "down" and the verb "pendēre" meaning "to hang" or "to weigh". So, the etymology of "codependence" suggests a mutual or shared dependence, often used in the context of unhealthy emotional or psychological relationships.
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