Structural model of dependence phenomenon in close interpersonal relations

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the phenomenological study of the dependence in close interpersonal relationship between a man and a woman. Phenomenological analysis of interviews of respondents experiencing their close interpersonal relationships as dependent, conducted by the technique of A. Giorgi, allowed to propose a structural model of this phenomenon, highlighting the invariant and variable components of dependence in a relationship. A special attention to the vicious cirA cle "closeness — estrangement" specific to dependent relationships is given in the paper. It is shown that differentiation of interpersonal dependence is based on the type of the deficiency that is characterized by the specific need of compensation by the partner from whom one depends. This deficiency corresponds to the content of the fundamental existential motivations, allocated by A. Laengle: lack in support, lack of experience of life, lack in self-acceptance and selfAesteem. Frustration of fundamental existential motivation for the meaning was present in all cases of dependence.

Keywords

• dependence
• interpersonal relationships
• phenomenological analysis
• existential motivation
• support
• sense of life
• self-esteem
• meaning