The subject of this study is the structural and substantive interconnections between early maladaptive schemas (EMS) in Jeffrey Young's model and the multifaceted phenomenon of codependency, as well as the nature of the transformation of these interconnections at different levels of its development. Specifically, the work focuses on analyzing the specific complex of EMS underlying the genesis of codependent behavior and studying the nonlinear dynamics of qualitative shifts in the dominance of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components as the phenomenon progresses. An important aspect of the subject is the identification of a universal structural core of codependency formed by schemas that are consistently connected to it, as well as the description of systemic, mutually reinforcing configurations of these schemas. Additionally, the study addresses the differentiation of the nature of the phenomenon through the lens of the schema model, namely, testing its deficit basis by analyzing the connections with narcissistic schemas. Thus, the subject focuses on the deep, schema-conditioned mechanisms of the formation and progression of codependency, which paves the way for more precise diagnosis and therapy. The research methodology is based on a multifactor model of codependency. An original "Multifactor Codependency Scale" (=0.942) was used to measure five components, along with an adapted "Young Schema Questionnaire" (YSQ-S3R) for diagnosing 18 early maladaptive schemas. Cluster, dispersion, and correlation analyses were applied. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the implementation of a comprehensive structural-level analysis of codependency within the framework of Jeffrey Young's early maladaptive schemas (EMS) model. For the first time, using cluster and correlation analysis, a nonlinear dynamics of schema transformation has been empirically identified, demonstrating a qualitative shift from the dominance of the cognitive component (core – “Failure”) to the predominance of emotional-behavioral disorganization (“Vulnerability,” “Defectiveness/Shame”) as the phenomenon progresses. A universal structural core (“Subjugation,” “Inadequacy of Self-Control”) has been established, and the deficit nature of codependency has been proven, differentiating it from narcissism. The main conclusion confirms that codependency is a progressive systemic personality disorder with staged dynamics. The results obtained justify the need for a differentiated therapeutic approach and highlight the high heuristic value of schema therapy, forming a scientific basis for developing effective individualized assistance protocols.
Sokolova et al. (Sun,) studied this question.