Codependency: A grass roots construct's relationship to shame-proneness, low self-esteem, and childhood parentification

Abstract

This article analyzes the relationships among four independent variables and the construct of codependency. Results indicate that shameproneness, self-esteem, and parentification are significantly related to codependent characteristics. Results also indicate that guilt-proneness is inversely related to codependency, reinforcing the hypothesis that codependency represents a shame-based, as opposed to a guilt-based, organization of the self. Treatment recommendations are offered related to alleviating shame, raising self-esteem, and resolving parentification.