Value-meaning Characteristics as Predictors of Codependent Behaviors in Female Partners of Drug Addicts

Introduction. This paper discusses the results of a comprehensive survey that involved respondents from various regions of the South of the Russian Federation and represents the first report on psychological characteristics of codependent behavior and value-meaning sphere in young women of different ethnic groups. The novelty of the study lies in the development of psychological models of codependent behaviors for each ethnic group studied in order to further develop psycho-correction techniques of working with youth in south Russia. Methods. The sample consisted of 330 respondents with various levels of codependent behaviour residing in three federal subjects of the South of the Russian Federation. The respondents ranged in age from 17 to 30 years.  The study used the following standardized and projective techniques to reveal differences in value-meaning sphere among young women of different ethnic groups: (a) the Spann‐Fisher Codependency Scale, SFCDS (modified by Moskalenko), (b) the Purpose-in-Life Test, PIL (developed by Crumbaugh & Maholic, modified by Leont'ev), (c) the Personal Orientation Inventory, POI (developed by Shostrom, modified by Kalin), (d) the Bass Orientation Inventory, (e) the technique for studying self-assessment using the procedure for ranking (developed by Rean), (f)  the Value Orientations technique (developed by Rokich), and (g) the Write-a-Story technique (stimulus materials from Tables 2, 4, and 6, Thematic Apperception Test). The STATISTICA, a statistical package software version 10.0, was used for data processing.  Results. The individual participants of different ethnic groups had significant differences in characteristics of codependence, both in terms of the dynamics of situational assessment and in the content of stable personal constructs. Discussion. Despite of similar trends in manifestations of codependence, the representatives of different ethnic groups are characterized by certain distinguishing characteristics, which manifest themselves in interpersonal communication with addicts and the environment and also in self-acceptance.