Talk:Codependency

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The following references may be useful when improving this article in the future:

Kinney, J. (2009). Loosening the grip, 9th edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Johnson, R. Skip (13 July 2014). "Codependency and Codependent Relationships". BPDFamily.com.
McGrath, Michael; Oakley, Barbara (2012). Oakley, Barbara; Knafo, Ariel; Madhavan, Guruprasad; Wilson, David Sloan (eds.). Codependency and Pathological Altruism. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 49. ISBN 978-0-19-987634-1.

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The redirect Inverted narcissism has been listed at redirects for discussion to determine whether its use and function meets the redirect guidelines. Readers of this page are welcome to comment on this redirect at Wikipedia:Redirects for discussion/Log/2025 April 7 § Inverted narcissism until a consensus is reached. Jay 💬 17:01, 7 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

What’s with the verbiage?

Codependency denotes an unhealthy relationship where the harmful actions of the partners create a feedback loop that results in repeated harm, sometimes on one partner sometimes the harm is mutual. Yet, this article consistently refers to the receiver as codependent. Both partners are codependent, it’s literally in the name. This construct essentially victim blames the person being harmed. It’s unhelpful constructs like this by uncaring professionals that makes people being colonized by narcissists reluctant to get help. Can an expert please change this phrasing to be less dehumanizing and humiliating for people being hurt? That would be great! 50.76.140.45 (talk) 17:48, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

The origin of the term "codependent" is in association with observations about the behavior of some people who were in close relationships with people experiencing substance use disorders. The person with the SUD was "dependent", and based upon a set of alleged behaviors they displayed in association with the relationship the other person who allegedly might be deemed "codependent". It was advanced as a diagnostic label for that person. Arllaw (talk) 21:17, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Does it apply to relationships where there isn’t substance abuse? Specifically in relation to dysfunctional personality traits such as narcissism and extreme altruism? 50.76.140.45 (talk) 16:22, 18 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]