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The role and treatment of irresponsibility in dysfunctional relationships

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Responsibility is a unique concept. It can only reside and inhere in a single individual. You may share it with others, but your portion is not diminished. You may delegate it, but it is still with you. You may disclaim it, but you cannot divest yourself of it. Admiral Hyman Rickover

Abstract

This article explores the role of personal responsibility in dysfunctional relations. The premise is that the stances one or both partners take with regard to their relationship responsibilities predict the success or failure of that relationship. The four parts of this article include a definition of responsibility, a delineation of four crucial areas of relationship responsibility, a listing of irrational beliefs that block responsibility, and an outline of irresponsibility treatment.

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Grieger, R.M. The role and treatment of irresponsibility in dysfunctional relationships. J Rational-Emot Cognitive-Behav Ther 4, 50–67 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01073480

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