Approaches to studying the development of codependency in family members

Context and relevance. Codependency is a widespread phenomenon affecting the health of individuals and families, particularly in the presence of chemical and behavioral addictions that destabilize the family system. However, science currently lacks a unified theoretical framework for understanding codependency, which leads to terminological confusion and fragmented research. Objective. To systematize the main scientific approaches to the study of codependency. Methods and materials. The work relies on methods of conceptual analysis, synthesis, and a systematic approach to understanding theoretical concepts of codependency. Results. The article consistently examines five approaches: personological (emphasis on personality traits), psychodynamic (the role of unconscious conflicts and attachment disorders), clinical (codependency as a syndrome), systemic-family (anxiety as a property of the family system), and schema-focused (formation of early maladaptive schemas). Within each approach, key developmental mechanisms and etiological factors are identified. Conclusions. The presented systematization structures existing scientific views on codependency and can serve as a foundation for further theoretical and empirical research.