Codependency

Term Paper # 103707

Psychology > Rogers
Psychology > Theory

Codependency

This paper explains the concept of codependency and its characteristics.

2,405 words () | 10 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper defines a codependent person as one who has allowed another person's behavior to affect him and who is obsessed with controlling that person's behavior. The paper discusses the need to develop a sense of self so we do not in effect turn it over to someone else. The paper looks at the works of Carl Rogers and Erik Erikson's eight stages of development, specifically, the stage of intimacy versus isolation. Finally, the paper looks at the approach of Gestalt therapy and the idea of circular causality.

Outline:
Introduction
The Sense of Self
Adult Development
Gestalt Theory
Circular Causality and Reciprocity

From the Paper:

"Codependents are people who are more bound with the problems and lives of other people than they are with their own. Codependents are described here as victims of other people who have such problems as alcoholism, obsessive gambling, workaholism, or some other affliction that makes them too dependent on a loved one, someone close to the afflicted person who suffers in their own way as a consequence. Beattie (1987) provides a history of the concept of codependency and the development of the term in psychology, deciding finally that a codependent person is one who has allowed another person's behavior to affect him or her and who is obsessed with controlling that person's behavior. The author then details the characteristics of codependency before turning to the main thrust of the book, which is how to overcome codependency."

Sample of Sources Used:

Betchen, S. J. (2005) Intrusive Partners Elusive Mated. New York: Routledge Press.
Corsini, R.J. & Wedding, D. (1989). Current Psychotherapy. Itasca, Illinois: F.E. Peacock.
Gurman, A.S. & Lebow, J.L. (1995). Research Assessing Couple and Family Therapy. Annual Review of Psychology, Vol. 46. Retrieved April 11, 2007 from http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&se=gglsc&d=5001644959.
Loring, S. & Cowan, G. (1997, January). Codependency: an interpersonal phenomenon. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research. Retrieved April 11, 2007 from http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2294/is_n1-2_v36/ai_19417427.
Rogers, C. (1980). A Way of Being. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.