[On the relationship between emotional dependency and abuse].

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Criminology

Background:

• Domestic violence encompasses physical and psychological abuse between romantic partners and elder abuse.
• Emotional dependency is a significant factor in the occurrence and continuation of abusive relationships.
• Individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) exhibit increased risk for both perpetrating and experiencing abuse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of dependent relationships in domestic violence and elder abuse.
• To examine the psychological manifestations and implications of abuse within intimate partnerships and familial structures.
• To identify key theoretical frameworks that explain the link between dependency and abusive dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and theoretical analysis of existing studies on domestic violence and dependency.
• Integration of Rusbult's model of commitment, dependency-possessiveness, and escalating affective dependency.
• Conceptual analysis of "reverse violence" in elder abuse cases.

Main Results:

• Dependent relationships are central to understanding the perpetuation of domestic violence and elder abuse.
• Individuals with dependent characteristics are disproportionately affected, both as perpetrators and victims.
• Theoretical models effectively explain the mechanisms through which dependency fuels abusive cycles.

Conclusions:

• Dependent relationships are a critical underpinning of domestic violence and elder abuse.
• Future research must analyze the dynamics of dyads, not just individuals, to fully grasp abuse patterns.
• Understanding dependency is crucial for developing effective interventions for domestic violence and elder abuse.