The Mediating Role of Schema Modes in the Relationship Between Parentification and Codependency

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of schema modes between parentification in different roles and codependency. The sample of the study consists of 599 Turkish women aged between 18 and 64. Firstly, Pearson correlation analysis was conducted, revealing that most of the variables were significantly correlated. Secondly, mediating analysis was performed. The results showed that vulnerable child, angry child, compliant surrender, and demanding parent modes mediated the relationship between parent-focused parentification and codependency. The relationship between sibling-focused parentification and codependency was found to be mediated by the happy child, punitive parent, and demanding parent mode. These findings indicate that parentification in different roles are associated with codependency in women through distinct schema modes, with the exception of the demanding parent mode, which appeared in both paths. Furthermore, the results highlight that disruptions in the hierarchical structure of the early parent–child relationship shapes emotional and cognitive structures in adulthood, potentially contributing to the development of dysfunctional relationship dynamics.