Study Links ‘Love Addiction’ to Emotional Dependence

Romantic involvement with a partner can sometimes exhibit dysfunctional traits similar to addictive behaviours, a phenomenon known as emotional dependence on the partner or “love addiction.” If not properly addressed, these behaviours may harm both romantic relationships and emotional well-being and overall health. 

Due to its high prevalence, emotional dependence on one’s partner has gained growing interest in the scientific literature. Several studies have reported significant prevalence rates among students and young adults in various countries, including Spain.

Given the clinical relevance of this issue, researchers from the Libera Universitá Maria Santissima Assunta, Rome, and the University of Florence, Florence, Italy, conducted a study to identify potential psychological risk factors for emotional dependence among university students. The findings were published in the journal Behavioral Sciences. 

Risk Factors

The researchers examined the interplay of variables such as adult attachment, separation anxiety, and defence mechanisms associated with love addiction in young adult students

A total of 332 college students with an average age of 23 years participated in this study. The participants completed a survey consisting of the Love Addiction Inventory — Short Form, Relationship Questionnaire, Seven Domains Addiction Scale (Separation Anxiety domain), and 40-Item Defence Style Questionnaire. 

The results showed that fearful attachment (described by Horowitz as a negative image of ​​both self and others, associated with high anxiety and avoidance) was significantly linked to emotional dependence or “love addiction.” This association was further mediated by separation anxiety and neurotic or immature defence mechanisms. 

The authors explained that emotional dependence may function as a strategy for externally regulating internal emotional states. Individuals with a fearful attachment style often have low self-esteem and fear abandonment, reinforcing their dependence on external sources for emotional regulation. Additionally, these individuals may rely on maladaptive defence mechanisms to suppress or avoid experiencing painful emotions. 

Study Significance

This is the first study to examine the interplay of different variables in relation to emotional dependence on a partner in young adults. The results highlight a single significant and positive association: Fearful attachment as a significant risk factor for dependence. 

However, the authors noted that studies with larger and more diverse populations, including different population groups, are needed, since all the participants in this study were university students. In this study, 80% of the participants were women, which limited the analysis of emotional dependence in men.

Despite limitations, these findings contribute to the existing literature on “love addiction,” providing valuable insights into the psychological mechanisms behind this phenomenon and laying the groundwork for future research and clinical practice. The authors concluded that targeted interventions addressing attachment-related issues, separation anxiety, and maladaptive defence mechanisms may be effective in preventing and treating emotional dependence.

This story was translated from Univadis Spain using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.