Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
1993
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department / School
Communication Studies and Theatre
Abstract
Periodically a new phrase or concept appears in society to explain or define human problems or weaknesses. Mid-life crisis, Type A personality, and Cinderella complex are just a few of these concepts that have entered the rhetoric of society. In recent years a new term has appeared that proves to have an even greater impact: codependency (Lamb, 1990). The concept existed, rather obscurely, in the "addiction" realm since the 1970's (Taylor, 1990). It grew out of the idea of "co-alcoholism" (Wholey, 1988)—that significant others become sick along with (co) the chemically dependent person (alcoholic) (Smith, 1988). Though the term originally referred to the specific problems faced by partners of alcoholics, it has caught on--"and quickly absorbed the 'disease' language that now is being applied to addicts of all kinds" (Tavris, 1989, p. 220). This growth has led to its ultimate definition explained by Melody Beattie: "Some therapists have proclaimed: 'Codependency is anything, and everyone is codependent."' (Beattie, 1987, p. 29).
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Codependency
Rhetoric and psychology
Literature -- Psychology
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
172
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Schmidt, Mary, "An Analysis of Ethical Appeals in Codependency Self-help Literature" (1993). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1319.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1319