The Prevalence of Codependency

       Due to the inconsistent definition of codependency it is difficult to get a straight number on the prevalence of codependency. Some researchers believe that because of this lackadaisical attention to finding a concrete definition 96% of the female population may at one point suffer from codependency. Other researchers through controlled studies indicate that 25% of help seeking females will present with codependent behaviors and issues. Unfortunately,with such a wide range of proposed prevalence it is difficult to say how common codependency is.
       Another factor to take into account is that despite the gender neutrality of the core concepts of codependency women are much more frequently labelled with the term. Some research indicates women are twice as more likely to be viewed as being codependent. This overwhelming prevalence indicates the importance of looking at the societal factors contributing to the biased labeling of women with codependent issues.
       Lastly, individuals often labelled with codependency are those in relationships with individuals with substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual maltreatment or emotional maltreatment. This has given way to research indicating the idea that codependency is much more a coping technique that disease. Despite there being no clinical sound reason to label an individual with codependency as per the research utilized, it is something that remains in the public sphere. In this case it is important to recognize that it can be useful as it can raise awareness for the issues codependency may bring up.