DEPRESSION AND DEPENDENCY - DISTINCT OR OVERLAPPING CONSTRUCTS

Background: Previous research has found a significant positive relatio nship between dependency and level of depression. The aim of the prese nt study, using factor analysis method, is to test the hypothesis that dependency and depression constitute distinct dimensions. Methods: In a sample of 202 university students, a correlation matrix comprising items from both the Interpersonal Dependency Inventory and the abridge d form of the Beck Depression Inventory was analysed using a principal components analysis followed by an orthogonal varimax rotation. Resul ts: Evidence for a four-factor solution was found with almost no overl ap of the significant factor loadings for the items from each scale, a nd with the factors corresponding closely with their respective constr uct. Conclusion: The findings support the view that depression and dep endency constitute different constructs. Limitation: The results must be confirmed on clinical and heterogeneous nonclinical samples. Clinic al relevance: The independency between depression and dependency could lead to different therapeutic strategies notably in 'socially depende nt' type of depression. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.