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Published on: December 28, 2010
Passive-submissive and active-emotional trait dependency: evidence for a two-factor model.
Theresa A Morgan1, Lee Anna Clark
1University of Iowa, 11 Seashore Hall, Iowa City, IA52246, USA. theresa-morgan@uiowa.edu
This study clarifies trait dependency by identifying two key factors: Passive-Submissive and Active-Emotional dependency. These dimensions are distinct from detachment and autonomy, offering a clearer model for understanding personality.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Personality Science
Background:
- Dependency is crucial in personality but lacks a clear definition in clinical and research settings.
- Existing measures of trait dependency show little agreement on its underlying structure.
- The low end of the dependency spectrum remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the structure of trait dependency.
- To differentiate dependency from detachment/autonomy.
- To examine the relationship between dependency and personality pathology.
Main Methods:
- Five hundred nine undergraduates completed 14 dependency scales.
- A subset (n=322) also completed the SNAP-2 personality pathology measure.
- Exploratory factor analysis was used to analyze the dependency measures.
Main Results:
- Factor analysis revealed two correlated factors of dependency: Passive-Submissive and Active-Emotional.
- A third, unrelated factor, Detachment/Autonomy, was identified.
- Both dependency factors showed differential correlations with personality pathology traits.
Conclusions:
- A clear, two-factor model for trait dependency is proposed.
- This model distinguishes dependency from detachment/autonomy.
- The findings provide a more precise framework for studying dependency in personality.
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