A dysfunctional family is defined as one that is consistently unable to provide a safe and nurturing environment. Over time, the family develops a set of restrictions that inhibit the social and emotional growth of its members, particularly the children. Rigid restrictions are put in place to ensure consistency in behaviour in an effort to achieve a predictable and therefore 'safe' environment. Often the dysfunctional family evolves due to the occurrence of co-dependency in one or both of the parents, who in all likelihood, were raised in a dysfunctional family themselves.
Codependents often seek out relationships that will mimic the environment they grew up in; while it is not a healthy one, it is familiar. They are most likely unable to behave