The three faces of interpersonal dependency: structural analyses of self-report dependency measures

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Personality Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Interpersonal dependency is a complex construct.
• Previous models have not fully captured its nuances.
• A structural framework integrating the interpersonal circumplex and the 5-factor model is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify distinct aspects of interpersonal dependency.
• To examine the relationship between these aspects and core personality traits.
• To propose implications for dependency assessment and future research.

Main Methods:

• Structural analyses were conducted on a combined item pool from widely used self-report dependency measures.
• The interpersonal circumplex and 5-factor model of personality served as the structural framework.
• Relations between identified dependency aspects and neuroticism, conscientiousness, and openness to experience were examined.

Main Results:

• Three aspects of interpersonal dependency were identified: love dependency, exploitable dependency, and submissive dependency.
• All forms of dependency positively correlated with neuroticism.
• Exploitable and submissive dependency negatively correlated with conscientiousness and openness, while love dependency positively correlated with these traits.

Conclusions:

• Interpersonal dependency is multifaceted, with distinct aspects related to personality.
• Findings support multifactor models of dependency and have implications for assessment.
• Future research should explore links between these dependency aspects and depression.