SYMBIOSIS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS - Dr. Joshy K.T.

SYMBIOSIS 

Introduction

Symbiosis is generally understood as the interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both. It is a mutually beneficial relationship between different people or groups. One of the symbiotic relationships we can see around us is the relationship of honey bee and flower. The bees collect food from flowers and in that process, the flowers get pollinated.

In psychological parlance, symbiosis refers to a mental state where two people are fused together, and their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours are interwoven. Due to this, the partners are unable to differentiate themselves from each other, and experience a loss of self-awareness and independence. They behave as if they were both still dependent on each other. This can happen in relationships like romantic partnerships, friendships, professional collaboration, etc.

Symbiosis can be problematic because it often leads to negative patterns of behavior and communication. For example, individuals in a symbiotic relationship may feel threatened when their partner expresses their own desires. This is because they are so fused together that any differentiation feels like a threat to their identity.

Positive and negative symbiosis 

Symbiosis can be positive or negative depending on the nature of the relationship and the way in which the individuals involved interact with each other.

Positive symbiosis occurs when two individuals relate to each other in a mutually supportive way, where each person feels valued, respected, and cared for by the other. In positive symbiosis, individuals are able to maintain their autonomy and independence while also experiencing a sense of connection and interdependence with their partner. This type of relationship is characterized by healthy communication, empathy, and a willingness to support and encourage each other's growth.

Negative symbiosis, on the other hand, occurs when two individuals become fused together in an unhealthy and dysfunctional way. In negative symbiosis, individuals are unable to differentiate themselves from each other and are highly dependent on each other for their emotional and psychological well-being. This type of relationship is often characterized by power struggles, blaming, and emotional manipulation.

In negative symbiosis, individuals may feel trapped and unable to escape from the unhealthy dynamics of the relationship. They may become entangled in each other's emotional struggles, and find it difficult to express their own needs or boundaries. Negative symbiosis can be highly destructive and can lead to emotional and psychological problems for both individuals involved.

Negative effects of symbiosis

Dependency: In a symbiotic relationship, individuals become emotionally dependent on each other. They may feel like they can't function without the other person, and may rely on them for emotional support and validation.

Loss of individuality: In a symbiotic relationship, individuals may lose their sense of self and become merged with the other person. They may begin to adopt the other person's values, beliefs, and behaviors, and may have difficulty distinguishing their own thoughts and feelings from those of the other person.

Enmeshment: In a symbiotic relationship, individuals may become enmeshed with the other person, meaning that they are overly involved in each other's lives and have difficulty setting boundaries. This can lead to a loss of autonomy and can make it difficult to make independent decisions.

Emotional instability: In a symbiotic relationship, individuals may experience emotional instability. They may feel anxious or depressed when they are away from the other person and may have difficulty regulating their emotions.

Relationship addiction: In some cases, symbiosis can lead to relationship addiction, in which one person takes on a caretaker role and the other person becomes dependent on him. This can create a cycle of dysfunction and can prevent both individuals from developing healthy relationships with others.

How to come out of negative symbiosis

To break free from negative symbiosis, individuals must learn to recognize unhealthy patterns of interaction. They must learn to recognize and communicate their own needs and boundaries and to accept and respect those of their partner. This involves developing a strong sense of self and autonomy, as well as the ability to empathize with and validate the experiences of others. This process is often facilitated by developing their own emotional awareness and communication skills.

Dr. Joshy K.T, Retired Kerala Regional Manager of the Oriental Insurance Company Ltd., having more than three decades of experience in Marketing and HR Management has recently done a Ph.D. in Management Science, at Karunya Institute of Technology and Science (KITS), deemed to be University, Coimbatore. He is an M.Phil. holder in Applied Economics from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). He has an MBA in Human Resource Management and has a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and research in Management from Indira Gandhi Open University.  He is also a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of India, Mumbai.