Interpersonal dependence, codependency, and psychological resources in substance-related and behavioral addictions

Abstract

Background. Addictive disorders involve significant psychological and social consequences. Their development is shaped by interpersonal factors, such as the dependence–codependency nexus, and resources like meaning in life and hardiness, which influence maladjustment risk and behavioral persistence.

Objective. The study assessed associations between interpersonal dependence, codependency, hopelessness, and resource variables, while comparing psychological profiles of substance-related and behavioral addictions.

Methods. Data from 22 adults (M age=24.45; 18 men) with gambling (n=14), drug (n=7), and alcohol (n=1) addictions were analyzed. Instruments included the IDI, Weinhold Scale, BHS, PIL, and Hardiness Test. Analyses used Mann–Whitney U, Cliff’s delta (FDR corrected), and Spearman’s rho with 95% bootstrap confidence intervals.

Results. The substance-related group was younger (p=.039), showing higher codependency (p=.0036), greater emotional reliance (p=.010), and lower hardiness (p=.015). Interpersonal dependence correlated strongly with hardiness (ρ= −.87). Codependency was negatively associated with hardiness (ρ= −.79) and meaning in life (ρ= −.73). Hopelessness correlated negatively with meaning (ρ= −.64) and hardiness (ρ= −.68).

Conclusions. Meaning in life and hardiness serve as protective factors, while interpersonal dependence and codependency form a vulnerability dyad linked to hopelessness. Rehabilitation should target autonomy, personal boundaries, and meaning-based regulation.