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Psychology and Law
2026. Vol. 16, no. 1, 266–285
doi:10.17759/psylaw.2026160116
ISSN: 2222-5196 (online)

Approaches to studying the development of codependency in family members

 
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Abstract

Context and relevance. Codependency is a widespread phenomenon affecting the health of individuals and families, particularly in the presence of chemical and behavioral addictions that destabilize the family system. However, science currently lacks a unified theoretical framework for understanding codependency, which leads to terminological confusion and fragmented research. Objective. To systematize the main scientific approaches to the study of codependency. Methods and materials. The work relies on methods of conceptual analysis, synthesis, and a systematic approach to understanding theoretical concepts of codependency. Results. The article consistently examines five approaches: personological (emphasis on personality traits), psychodynamic (the role of unconscious conflicts and attachment disorders), clinical (codependency as a syndrome), systemic-family (anxiety as a property of the family system), and schema-focused (formation of early maladaptive schemas). Within each approach, key developmental mechanisms and etiological factors are identified. Conclusions. The presented systematization structures existing scientific views on codependency and can serve as a foundation for further theoretical and empirical research.

General Information

Keywords: codependency, dysfunctional relationships, family, addictive behavior, psychoactive substances

Journal rubric: Interdisciplinary Studies

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/psylaw.2026160116

Received 21.01.2026

Revised 26.01.2026

Accepted

Published

For citation: Mironova, O.I., Kovalevskaia, E.A. (2026). Approaches to studying the development of codependency in family members. Psychology and Law, 16(1), 266–285. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/psylaw.2026160116

© Mironova O.I., Kovalevskaia E.A., 2026

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Oksana I. Mironova, Doctor of Psychology, Docent, Professor, Department of Psychology Faculty of Social Sciences, HSE University, Professor, Department of Psychology and Human Capital Development Faculty of Social Sciences and mass communications Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4822-5877, e-mail: mironova_oksana@mail.ru

Ekaterina A. Kovalevskaia, Independent Researcher, HSE University, Tel Aviv, Israel, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6532-4556, e-mail: ekovalevskaya0@gmail.com

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