Love Addiction
Definition: Love addiction is a state where a person is overly dependent on others for love and approval. This can be seen in relationships with partners, family, friends, and even the public.
Characteristics
- With Partners: A constant need for affirmations like "I love you" and attention. Without it, the person feels anxious.
- With Family: A strong desire for approval and love from parents or siblings. This often leads to overexertion to meet their expectations.
- With the Public: Dependence on social media likes and followers, often portraying an exaggerated version of oneself to gain approval.
Example: Feeling worried and blaming oneself if the partner does not reply immediately to messages.
Example: Exaggerating achievements in school or work to gain family approval.
Example: Posting overly beautified versions of daily life to receive validation from others on social media.
Romantic Relationship Addiction
Definition: Romantic relationship addiction is characterized by an excessive dependence on romantic relationships. This often leads to seeking new relationships immediately after one ends.
Characteristics
- With Partners: Excessive dependence and idealization of the partner. Quickly seeking a new relationship after one ends.
- With Family: Trying to solve romantic issues without family help, often leading to strained family relationships.
- With the Public: Believing that one's worth is solely defined by their romantic relationship, leading to a loss of self-worth after a breakup.
Example: Immediately looking for a new partner after a breakup, often while still having feelings for the previous partner.
Example: Ignoring family advice and trying to handle relationship issues alone, which often worsens the problem.
Example: Feeling extremely confident when in a relationship, but experiencing a significant drop in self-esteem after a breakup.
Conclusion
Love addiction and romantic relationship addiction each have distinct forms of dependency. Love addiction involves excessive reliance on others for love and approval across various relationships, while romantic relationship addiction is specifically characterized by an excessive dependence on romantic partners. Both types of addiction often stem from low self-esteem and a need for approval, significantly impacting social behavior.
References
- Maglia, M. G., Lanzafame, I., & Quattropani, M. C. (2023). Love addiction: Current diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms in clinical psychology. Health Psychology Research.
- Costa, S., Barberis, N., Griffiths, M. D., & Benedetto, L. (2021). The love addiction inventory: Preliminary findings of the development process and psychometric characteristics. Journal of Mental Health and Addiction.
