The Relationship Between the Level of Codependency and the System of a Person's Core Beliefs

Identificator

EDN: GWGFJE ; УДК: 159.923

Authors

Ershova Regina Vyacheslavovna, Doctor of Psychology, professor, professor of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy, Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. Russia, Moscow. ORCID: 0000-0002-5054-1177. E-mail: ershova-rv@rudn.ru; Sokolova Anna Viktorovna, clinical psychologist, CBT therapist (private practice). Russia, Volgograd. ORCID: 0000-0002-4418-6121. E-mail: asokolova.psy@gmail.com

Journal

HERALD OF VYATKA STATE UNIVERSITY №4 (158), 2025

Section

PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Pages

109-118

Abstract

Codependency is a persistent maladaptive pattern characterized by a violation of personal boundaries, difficulties of self-identification, and an excessive preoccupation with the problems of another person. Despite the absence of official status in the diagnostic classifications, empirical studies confirm the connection of codependency with an increased level of anxiety and depression and with a decrease in psychological well-being. In the modern cognitive paradigm, maladaptive relational patterns are regarded as derivatives of early maladaptive schemas and of a person's core beliefs. However, direct empirical studies linking codependency with specific configurations of core beliefs remain limited. The article presents an analysis of the relationship between the level of codependency and the system of a person's core beliefs. Codependency was measured by means of a multifactor model (regulatory, emotional, cognitive, motivational, and behavioral components). The sample consisted of 250 respondents divided into groups with low, medium, and high levels of codependency. Analysis of variance and within-group correlation analysis were applied. A nonlinear dynamic of the relationship was revealed. As codependency increases, the beliefs about the benevolence of the world and about the worth of one's own self undergo the most pronounced deformation. Three configurations of correlational links were established. At a low level, an extensive network of negative correlations is registered ("avoidant autonomy"): independence is based on a negative image of the world and a deficit of self-worth. At the medium level, a reduction of links occurs, and a strong negative link is formed between the cognitive component of codependency and self-worth (r = −0.641) alongside an autonomization of affective and behavioral patterns. At a high level of codependency, two isolated links are preserved: a negative one, between the cognitive component and self-worth (r = −0.366), and a positive one, between the motivational component and belief in the controllability of the world (r = 0.283), which reflects dissociation and the internalization of self-devaluation. It is shown that a progressive decrease in self-worth and personal agency is observed at all levels of the severity of codependency. The results make it possible to differentiate the directions of psychological correction depending on the level of personal maladaptation.

Keywords

codependency core beliefs of the codependent person multifactor model of codependency levels of codependency values of the codependent person

Recieved

13.02.2026

Published

08.10.2026

References

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