| Many traits that correlate with field dependence are also identified in the literature as codependent behaviors. However, no explorations to date of codependence or field dependence have explicitly linked the two constructs. The first goal of this study was to bring the construct of codependency into sharp focus by situating codependency within the larger framework of field dependence research and investigating the strength of their relationship in the context of addiction and recovery. Also, given the paucity of empirical data on codependency and its confusion with the Adult Child of Alcoholics syndrome, its relationship to measures of family addiction history and also to criterion-related personality scales was examined. The second goal was to determine extent of field mobility during the course of recovery. A developmental model of recovery is presented. It is shown that in the context of addiction the field dependence/independence construct is a developmental phenomenon linked to recovery, as distinguished from its other aspects as a style, ability, or performance variable. In focusing on recovering addicts, we intend to add to research foundations for a new model of Stages in Recovery (Brown, 1985). Third, of prime importance was to discover what role intimacy attitudes play in a recovering person's progress out of active addiction. Codependency should not be able to flourish in a situation where a person's affiliative need is being experienced and expressed appropriately, and where the self-system is relatively intact.;The relationship of field dependence/independence, codependence and intimacy attitudes were studied in a sample of 145 recovering addicts recruited from Alcoholics Anonymous and addiction counselor-training certification classes, and of non-addict classmates. Mobility of these variables was measured in a subsample of 29 recovering subjects from AA. Results show that field independence and intimacy attitudes increase, and codependence decreases with time in sobriety. No significant correlation of FD and codependence, obtains in the larger sample. Also measured were self-esteem, shame, guilt, pride, parental bonding, sex role identification, and exaggerated social control. Self-esteem was found to be clinically low with most participants. Implications for understanding neurotic phenomena in general through the study of addictions are discussed. |
