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Symbolic loss in horizontal relating: Defining the role of parentification in addictive/ destructive relationships

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Abstract

The authors examine the concept of “addictive” relationships through the lens of the phenomenon referred to as parentification of children, using in particular the concepts of Contextual Family Therapy. The dynamic of parentification, they conclude, affects the manner in which meaning about self and other is constructed, which may influence the way in which the character of the individual is formed and the fashion in which the individual's relationships are conducted. Aspects of addictive relationships are portrayed and interventions for treatment are discussed.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, 600 N. Forty-third Street, 19104-4495, Philadelphia, PA

    Morrie Olson RPh, MFT

  2. University of Pennsylvania/Veterans Administration Center for the Study of Addiction, USA

    Peter Gariti PhD

Authors
  1. Morrie Olson RPh, MFT
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  2. Peter Gariti PhD
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Additional information

The authors acknowledge the efforts of Connie Osborn and Lydia Cook in the preparation of his manuscript.

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Olson, M., Gariti, P. Symbolic loss in horizontal relating: Defining the role of parentification in addictive/ destructive relationships. Contemp Fam Ther 15, 197–208 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00894395

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00894395

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