Codependency is a complex and debatable concept, which has been used over the years by mental health professionals to inform their practices. Researchers have attempted to identify the main problems associated with codependency; however, their evidence is still inconclusive. This is the first time that interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) has been used to explore the lived experience of codependency from the perspective of self-identified codependents. Eight participants recruited from local support groups for codependency in the UK, offered in-depth information about their subjective experiences, and embedded in their lifeworld. Data was gathered through interviews and a visual method. The shared experience of codependency was portrayed by the participants as a complex but tangible multidimensional psychosocial problem in their lives. It incorporated three interlinked experiences: a lack of clear sense of self, an enduring pattern of extreme, emotional, relational, and occupational imbalance, and an attribution of current problems in terms of parental abandonment and control in childhood.

The importance of a continuum of rehabilitation from diagnosis of advanced cancer to palliative careThe continuum of rehabilitation in advanced cancer Purpose: Identifying the evidence found in the international scientific literature, referring to the concept of rehabilitation in the setting of oncologic palliative care. Methods: Integrative literature review based on articles published in indexed journals on the electronic databases: LILACS, CINAHL and PubMed/MEDLINE, WEB OF SCIENCE, OTSEEKER and PEDRO, following the PRISMA criteria. The quantitative articles were evaluated using the McMaster form for quantitative studies and the qualitative studies were assessed by the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. The studies were inserted in the Rayyan™ application. Results: The final sample was composed of 21 qualitative and quantitative articles published in the period from 2004 to 2021, in nine different countries. Three thematic units were defined addressing the interface between palliative care and rehabilitation, the concept of palliative rehabilitation and the barriers to its implementation. The quality of the articles reviewed varied from 31% to 100% of the criteria met. Conclusion:The international scientific production reinforces the importance of including rehabilitation in care in oncologic palliative care, highlighting the concept of palliative rehabilitation, but there is a need for expanding and divulging new research on the theme and the results.

This research project aimed at obtaining an in-depth analysis of the experiences of self-identified co-dependents, who chose twelve-steps groups as a way for dealing with difficulties identified as co-dependency. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used as the methodology for the research. Eight participants volunteered from local support groups for co-dependency in the UK. Data were collected through 3 in-depth interviews with each participant over a period of 3-6 months. A visual method was used to gain a more in-depth phenomenological perspective. It included photographs, drawings and images chosen by the participants to describe their experiences. The analysis revealed 2 contradicting and complementary themes: (1) representations of the twelve-step group as a helpful tool and (2) representations of the twelve-step group as no longer meaningful. It demonstrated that the participants found their groups useful as an initial pathway for recovery; however, it did not feature as a central aspect in their recovery, as different levels of engagement were described. The results of this study provide a base for developing a more empathic and contextualised understanding of the experience of individuals who attend twelve-step groups for co-dependency, which in turn will enable health professionals to offer support which is relevant to these individuals' experiences.

Co-dependency and enmeshment have been used interchangeably in psychological and psychotherapeutic practice. The commentary offers a discussion on the conceptual development of both concepts, highlighting the historical differences and similarities. It suggests that there are specific schemas and modes which operate within the scope of both concepts. The Bacon & Conway - CODEM Model 2022. is introduced to describe the schemas and modes associated with enmeshment and co-dependency. The conceptual model of enmeshment and co-dependency is offered with the intention to help the reader to identify and find ways to address these patterns. A fictional clinical case scenario was offered to illustrate the discussion. Further research is currently being developed to offer a robust empirical base for the model proposed.

Codependency is a complex human experience with many meanings. The experiences of self-identified codependent individuals, who attend 12 steps groups are largely missing from the literature. In this article, we present how a combination of a visual method and interviews assisted deeper exploration and analysis of the experience of living with codependency, in an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study.A case example, titled ‘The Lady of Shalott’, is offered as an illustration of the data collection and multilevel interpretative analytical process, highlighting how the ambiguity in the meanings of the imagery aided the interpretation. The case study, demonstrates how the visual method enriched the data collection and analysis process assisting the researcher to reach deeper layers of meanings, capturing a better understanding of the lived experience portrayed by the participant.