Self-Attitude and Reflection in Codependent Women: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background. Currently, psychological knowledge integrates theories on codependent behavior, advancing our understanding of this phenomenon. However, empirical research is lacking to understand its speci! c manifestations in relation to di” erent types of addiction. Objective. To identify the features of self-attitude and re# ection in codependent women. Design. $ e study included 233 women (ages 18–70), including 102 in relationships with a person addicted to alcohol, drugs, or su” ering from a non-chemical addiction). $ e study was conducted using the following methods: Self-Attitude Questionnaire (Stolin & Panteleev, 1988); Di” erential Type of Re# ection Questionnaire (Leontiev, 2009); and Codependency Self-Inventory Scale (CSIS; Weinhold & Weinhold, 1989; translated by A. G. Cheslavskaya, 2002). Results. Signi! cant di” erences were observed in self-attitude and re# ection. Women with high codependency have lower self-esteem and tend to underestimate their abilities, compared to the control group. $ ey also exhibit a lower sense of control over their lives, lower self-consistency; they tend to focus on their weaknesses and shortcomings and are more inclined to self-blame. Quasi-re# exivity is more common in codependent women who have relationships with non-chemical addicts or do not identify an addict in their lives. Conclusion. $ ere are signi! cant di” erences in self-attitude and re# ection between the control group and subgroups of women in relationships with di” erent types of addicts; the same di” erences were observed in comparison of women with low and high codependency levels. $ e study contributes to a better understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying codependent behavior in women and has implications for future research and clinical practice.