[Psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of the Codependence Questionnaire]

The purpose of this study is to assess the internal consistency of the subscales of the Hungarian Version of the Codependent Questionnaire (CdQ, Roehling & Gaumond, 1996). Thus, a reliable measurement of codependency for professionals become available in Hungary. The Hungarian Version of the Codependent Questionnaire enables professionals to identify codependent individuals.

Our sample (N=137) was recruited from the general population and from self-help groups (82 individuals); and patients with borderline personality disorder (55 individuals) were recruited as clinical control group. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed by Cronbach's alfa and principal component analysis. In addition, in order to investigate the latent structure, factors analyses and hierarchical cluster analysis were used.

Based on our results, the Cronbach's alfa values of the subscales of 'control', 'reliability' and 'intimacy' indicate appropriate reliability, however, the subscale of 'enmeshment' indicates poor reliability. The originally assumed factor structure is not supported by the results of the statistical analyses. The subscales are not separate from each other, which is also indicated by the correlations of the total scores of the subscales.

The reliability of the Hungarian Version of the Codependent Questionnaire is nearly identical to the original data, except for one subscale ('enmeshment subscale'). Based on these results the Hungarian Version of the Codependent Questionnaire is considered to be reliable. Besides the Hungarian adaptation, the strength of this study is the investigation of a clinical sample. The use of the questionnaire is recommended without the subscale of 'enmeshment' and further 5 items, and it is suggested to use as one scale.