How dependent a person, am I ?

Dependency

• Reliance on others for support and protection
• Mental state of viewing the self as weak

Dependency is unhealthy when

• Excessive and uncontrolled
• Part of general behavior
• Need is to function independently

Dependency is driven by

• Goals, beliefs, expectations

• Varies from situation to situation

Primary influencers of dependent behavior

• View self as weak
• View significant others as powerful

• Desire good relationship
• Fear negative evaluation
• Avoid rejection

High dependency exposes to certain risks

• Abuse by significant others
• Abandonment by significant others

Parenting style influences dependency

• Overprotective parenting leads to weak, vulnerable and over-dependency
• Authoritarian parenting leads to rigid, indifferent and insecure dependency

Continued...

Parenting style influences dependency

• Supportive parenting leads to healthy dependency

Healthy dependency behavior

• Selective, flexible, situation appropriate, right context
• Mature defense style, sophisticated situation handling, better social skills