Factors Influencing Emotional Dependency in Emerging Adults: A Systematic Review

Emotional dependency is a relational pattern involving excessive emotional needs toward a romantic partner, fear of separation, and a tendency to remain in unhealthy relationships. Among emerging adults, it may affect mental health and relationship quality. This systematic review aimed to synthesize developmental, psychological, behavioral, and relational factors associated with emotional dependency and identify their potential roles. Following PRISMA guidelines, searches were conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, APA PsycINFO, and Google Scholar for publications from 2014 to 2025. Of 200 records, 14 sources met the eligibility criteria, comprising five core studies, eight supplementary empirical studies, and one conceptual source. The findings identified five factor groups: (1) insecure attachment and parenting quality, particularly the father's role; (2) psychological vulnerabilities, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and emotion regulation difficulties; (3) addictive behaviors and impulsivity; (4) dating violence; and (5) partner characteristics and relational dynamics, including narcissistic tendencies. The strongest associations involved insecure attachment, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and addictive behaviors. However, evidence concerning paternal roles, partner narcissism, and gender differences remained limited. Most studies used cross-sectional, correlational, and questionnaire-based designs, preventing causal conclusions. Variations in sample age also limit generalization to emerging adults strictly defined. These findings highlight the potential importance of family- and attachment-based interventions, emotion regulation skills, and early screening. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs and Southeast Asian samples, particularly Indonesian populations, which remain underrepresented.