Factores desencadenantes de la dependencia y/o codependencia emocional en las relaciones de pareja.

Abstract

Emotional codependency is a dynamic in which a person focuses on their partner's needs and problems to the point of neglecting their own needs and well-being, sacrificing their values and desires to maintain the relationship and meet their partner's demands. Meanwhile, emotional dependence is defined as a need for affection, approval, and constant attention from their partner. Therefore, this research aims to identify the triggering factors for developing emotional dependence and/or emotional codependency and their future consequences in romantic relationships. This study was a literature review with a qualitative descriptive approach to search digital databases from the Catholic University of Cuenca, such as Redalyc, SciELO, Web of Science, Dialnet, and Scopus. Only articles published between 2018 and 2023 in Spanish and English were included. The results demonstrated that family dysfunctionality is a triggering factor, as well as attachment style and emotional dysregulation. Women present the highest prevalence, and it is the insecure attachment of the anxious ambivalent type that predominates in these pathologies. In conclusion, these events impact an individual's cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and motivational aspects, leading to a conflicted relationship. Studying these factors would improve outcomes in treating dysfunctional relationships by addressing individual and couple therapy.