The present study investigated the relationship between normative and pathological dependency and anaclitic and introjective depressive experiences among 71 patients participating in outpatient psychotherapy at a university-based psychology clinic. We examined the interrelationships among the Relationship Profile Test subscales, the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire subscales and the Outcome Questionnaire-45.2. Results indicated that destructive overdependence was positively correlated with anaclitic and introjective depression and negatively correlated with overall perceptions of mental health. Dysfunctional detachment was positively correlated with introjective depression and negatively correlated with generalized perceptions of one's own mental health. Healthy dependency was negatively correlated with introjective depression and positively correlated with mental health. These results not only support the construct validity of the Relationship Profile Test but also shed light on a link between depression, dependence and self-criticism.

No abstract

Clinical psychology shares similarities with several other disciplines, especially in regard to providing psychotherapy or counseling services, such as counseling psychology, psychiatry, psychiatric nursing, social work, marriage and family therapy, psychoanalysis, and various counseling subspecialties (e.g., substance abuse counselors). Although the term “psychologist” is often equated with “therapist,” there are many types of psychologists, including developmental, social, and cognitive psychologists who are not trained in applied (clinical) practice. Within the practice of psychology there are many specialties (e.g., clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology, clinical health psychology); however, currently, the American Psychological Association accredits only the clinical, counseling, and school training programs. Compared to the other disciplines, clinical and counseling psychology are unique in their training to conduct comprehensive psychological assessments and are more likely to conduct scientific research. On the other hand, the vast majority of clinical psychologists do not prescribe psychiatric medication—a purview of professionals in the medical field.