Defining dependence

Abstract

The need to define dependence arises out of accumulating evidence that it contributes to depression-proneness. Its accurate definition is therefore a prerequisite for the development of valid methods of measuring it. Because dependence is more a feature of childhood than of adulthood, a dependent person may usefully be viewed as an adult behaving as though he were a child. Dependence is best understood therefore in terms of those developmental deficiencies from which it results. These are failure to separate successfully from the principal parent figure and from the family as a whole, failure to establish a secure personal identity, failure to acquire a general feeling of competence and a realistic assessment of self-worth and failure to feel deserving of the status of adult and to feel on equal terms with other adults. Consequently, adult dependence is characterized by the need to stay close to others, the inclination to be primarily the recipient in interpersonal transactions and the tendency to relate to others from a position of inferiority and humility. The dependent person receives from others a borrowed identity, guidance and direction, compensation for those areas in which he is incompetent and, most important of all, acceptance, approval and affirmation of worth.

The adaptive and maladaptive faces of dependency in later life: Links to physical and psychological health outcomes

“…More generally, overly dependent individuals may not benefit as much as others from their intimate relationships because they set unrealistic interpersonal goals and are frustrated when these goals are not met; these frustrations may lead to depression (Gardner & Helmes, 2006;Whiffen, Aube, Thompson, & Campbell, 2000). Relatedly, overdependence may place excessive demands on network members, damage close relationships, and thus also threaten wellbeing (Birtchnell, 1988). Dysfunctional detachment, on the other hand, is theoretically related to illness risk for different reasons, primarily through difficulty in engaging in adaptive affiliative behaviors and expressing negative emotions (Bornstein et al, 2002).…”

Dependency in the personality disorders: Intensity, insight, expression, and defense

“…In this context, it is sufficient to note that studies in this area indicate that the dependent person prefers to look to others for nurturance, guidance, and support rather than initiating projects and activities on his or her own (Birtchnell, 1987(Birtchnell, , 1988. Not surprisingly, the dependent person often goes to great lengths to develop and strengthen ties to potential nurturers and caretakers (Bornstein, 1992).…”

“…Many theoretical models which attempt to account for the ways in which dependency affects personality development and dynamics suggest that dependency needs are expressed in a similar manner by different individuals, despite any differences that may exist in these persons' underlying personality structure (Ainsworth, 1969;Birtchnell, 1988). Clearly, this is not the case.…”

“…Guntrip (1961, p. 381) was even more direct in his assertion that "the root cause of all personality disturbance is the unconscious persistence within the adult personality of too strong an element of infantile dependence." Birtchnell (1988), Neki (1976 and others (e.g., Kaplan, 1983;Siegel, 1988) have also discussed the negative effects of exaggerated dependency strivings on intra-and interpersonal functioning. As these writings make clear, clinicians, researchers, and laypersons alike view high levels of dependency in adults as a pathognomic sign, especially among men.…”

Dokuz Tip Mizaç Modeli’nin kişilik bozukluklarıyla ilişkisi

“…Bornstein (40) states that some individuals feel the need to take advice often and be approved; they are so dependent that they cannot make their own decisions, if this situation is intense and prevalent existence of DPD can be seen. In addition, DPD is characterized by being close to others and feeling a need for relation (41,42). For individuals with DPD, the need to be in close relation can reach such a level as to cause interpersonal problems (43).…”