تحلیل روان‌شناختی تجربه وابستگی هیجانی در روابط عاطفی ناپایدار

سعید رحمانی; الهام جعفری

doi:10.61838/12126

Authors

Saeed Rahmani Department of Cognitive Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Author
Elham Jafari Department of School Counseling, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61838/12126

Keywords:

Emotional dependence, unstable romantic relationships, insecure attachment, thematic analysis, emotion regulation, romantic relationships

Abstract

This study aimed to psychologically analyze the lived experience of emotional dependence in unstable romantic relationships by exploring the cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and relational patterns reported by individuals involved in such relationships. This qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis. The research population consisted of men and women living in Tehran who reported lived experience of unstable romantic relationships characterized by emotional dependence. Participants were selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation in gender, age, relationship status, and educational level. Data were collected only through in-depth semi-structured interviews, and recruitment continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. A total of 24 participants took part in the study. Each interview lasted between 45 and 75 minutes. After informed consent was obtained, the interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded. Data analysis was conducted through thematic analysis with the assistance of NVivo software. The analysis revealed five main themes: “seeking security in an insecure bond,” “emotional fluctuation and the break-up–reunion cycle,” “weakening personal boundaries and erosion of self-worth,” “cognitive conflict between awareness and staying,” and “social isolation and disruption of daily functioning.” Participants described emotional dependence not merely as intense affection, but as a psychologically consuming state involving fear of loss, repeated reassurance seeking, tolerance of harmful relational patterns, difficulty ending the relationship, and persistent hope that the partner or relationship would eventually change. The findings indicate that emotional dependence in unstable romantic relationships emerges from the interaction of insecure attachment, ineffective emotion regulation, relationship-contingent self-worth, and intermittent reinforcement of hope and disappointment. This experience may undermine psychological autonomy, emotional decision-making, social functioning, and mental well-being. Therefore, psychological interventions should focus on restructuring attachment-related expectations, strengthening personal boundaries, improving emotion regulation, and developing a sense of self-worth that is not dependent on romantic validation.

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