Mechanisms of formation and manifestation of emotional dependency in interpersonal relationships
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective The purpose of this research was to create an integrative biopsychosocial model that would explain how emotional dependency develops and manifests in interpersonal interactions. Methods Based on conceptual analysis and synthesis of 34 peer-reviewed sources including affective regulation, attachment, cognitive distortions, family dynamics, social capital, and sociocultural factors of dependent behaviour, the study was carried out as a theoretical investigation. Results The findings demonstrated that poor self-esteem, anxiety, fear of abandonment, negative automatic thoughts, and maladaptive cognitive schemas interact with family-systemic and sociocultural circumstances to produce emotional reliance. Reliance on a partner as the primary source of emotional validation and security has been found to be exacerbated by childhood emotional deprivation, insecure attachment, harmful transgenerational scripts, social isolation, gendered expectations, economic vulnerability, and low social capital. According to the suggested model, predispositions are formed by personal vulnerability and familial experiences, and dependent behavioural patterns are reinforced by a cognitive-emotional cycle that is triggered by contextual factors like conflict, divorce, isolation, or instability. The study concludes that emotional dependency should be understood as a multilevel Conclusions phenomenon requiring an integrative therapeutic response. Work with unconscious conflicts, cognitive restructuring, emotional self-regulation, family scripts, setting boundaries, and bolstering social support networks should all be included in an effective intervention. To validate the suggested model and ascertain the relative influence of its components, more empirical study is required.
Author: Spytska, Liana
Institution: Kyiv International University
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7224973770