Emotional dependency in marital relationships: possible factors and consequences

Abstract

This study characterizes emotional dependency and demonstrates how it affects interpersonal relationships, negatively influencing the affected individual’s mental health. A narrative review was conducted on scientific publications in Psychology, which indicated greater emotional dependency among women. Guilt, fear of abandonment, emotional emptiness, depersonalization, anxiety and depression were the main consequences of dependency. Domestic violence occurs in many instances, and its cycle is maintained by the dependent woman staying with the aggressor. Addressing the issue in social discussions is essential to raise awareness about emotional dependency and the importance of taking care of the dependent’s mental health in order to avoid or treat dependency.