Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale

Abstract

The Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale (SFCS) is a specialized psychological instrument designed to measure the construct of codependency within individuals. Developed by Fischer, Spann, and Crawford in 1991, this self-report measure utilizes a Likert scale format across 16 items. It was initially published in the Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly and has been widely used in both clinical and research settings to assess behavioral patterns associated with excessive focus on others, difficulty with decision-making, emotional repression, and reliance on external validation.

Keywords

Codependency, Self-report scale, Psychological measurement, Relationships, Addiction studies, Affective disorder, Psychological construct.

Authors

J. L. Fischer, L. Spann, D. Crawford

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Purpose

The primary purpose of the Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale is to provide a standardized, quantifiable metric for assessing the degree of codependent characteristics exhibited by an individual. Before the SFCS, the concept of codependency was often theoretical or clinically descriptive. The scale aims to operationalize this construct, allowing researchers and clinicians to study its prevalence, correlates, and treatment outcomes systematically.

Specifically, the SFCS helps identify patterns such as difficulty asserting boundaries, emotional suppression, external locus of control regarding relationships, and an over-reliance on others’ problems to define personal purpose. The use of a simple, 6-point response format makes it efficient for use in various clinical settings, including those treating addiction and family dynamics.

Construct

The SFCS measures codependency, a multifaceted psychological construct often associated with individuals who grew up in dysfunctional family systems, particularly those affected by substance abuse or chronic illness. The scale attempts to capture the maladaptive behavioral and emotional patterns linked to this concept.

Core aspects of the measured construct include:

• External Focus: Prioritizing the needs and feelings of others over one’s own (e.g., Item 16).
• Boundary Issues: Difficulty saying “no” or asserting personal limits (e.g., Item 2).
• Emotional Repression: Holding in feelings which sometimes leads to explosive outbursts (e.g., Item 13).
• Self-Esteem Deficits: Feeling guilty when engaging in self-care or difficulty accepting compliments (e.g., Item 6, 3).
• Enmeshment: Becoming overly focused on one person or relationship to the neglect of other responsibilities (e.g., Item 10).

Validity

The initial validation of the SFCS was established through its original publication in 1991, demonstrating reasonable face and content validity based on existing theoretical definitions of codependency prevalent at the time. The items were developed to reflect the behavioral and emotional indicators commonly observed in clinical populations exhibiting codependent traits.

Subsequent psychometric research has explored the scale’s construct validity through correlations with measures of related constructs, such as low self-esteem, high anxiety, and dysfunctional relationship patterns. While the original publication provided foundational data, researchers are encouraged to consult subsequent literature that has utilized and validated the SFCS across diverse populations to ascertain comprehensive validity coefficients.

Reliability

Studies investigating the internal consistency of the Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale have generally reported acceptable levels of reliability, typically measured using Cronbach’s alpha. High internal consistency suggests that the 16 items are cohesive and consistently measure the same underlying trait.

The scale’s structure, utilizing a straightforward Likert scale, contributes to its ease of administration and scoring, supporting its reliable application in clinical and research settings where consistency of measurement is paramount for tracking changes over time or across different groups.

Factor Analysis

The factor structure of the SFCS has been analyzed to determine its underlying dimensions. Although the scale is often treated as a unidimensional measure yielding a single total score, factor analysis helps clarify the specific components of codependency being captured.

The developers themselves provided specific data on the factor loadings for a 15-item version of the scale (implying one item was excluded or analyzed separately in that specific context). This factor loading information is a key piece of evidence supporting the derived factor structure and is available for researchers seeking detailed psychometric properties: Factor Loadings (15 item version only).

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report questionnaire / Psychological measure

Format: 16-item scale utilizing a 6-point Likert scale response format.

Language Available: Primarily English (Original development).

Population Group: General adult population; frequently used in clinical populations related to substance abuse, family systems, and relationship counseling.

Age Group: Adults (typically 18+).

Population Details: Initial validation sample details are provided in the 1991 publication in Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly.

Test Methodology: Respondents rate their agreement with each statement using the following scale: 1 (Strongly Disagree), 2 (Moderately Disagree), 3 (Slightly Disagree), 4 (Slightly Agree), 5 (Moderately Agree), 6 (Strongly Agree). Scoring requires reverse scoring items 5 and 7 before summation to obtain the total codependency score.

Keywords

SFCS, Fischer scale, Psychological assessment, Relationship dynamics, Self-esteem, Reliability, Clinical psychology.

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Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: N/A (Information not provided in source.)

Affiliation Email addresses: N/A (Information not provided in source.)

Correspondence Address: N/A (Information not provided in source. Corresponding author is typically J. L. Fischer.)

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale was first published in 1991. Due to its publication in a peer-reviewed academic journal, the scale is often accessible for non-commercial academic research and clinical use. For large-scale or commercial applications, users should seek formal permission from the original authors (J. L. Fischer, L. Spann, D. Crawford) or the publisher of Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly.

The original PDF of the scale, often used for reference, can be downloaded here: http://drmelindadouglass.com/uploads/3/0/8/9/3089481/sfcds.pdf

A doctoral dissertation utilizing the scale is also available as a PDF: http://domapp01.shu.edu/depts/uc/apps/libraryrepository.nsf/resourceid/4C6698AE944C597585256E1A006CF140/$File/Yearing-Barbara-Doctorate.pdf?Open

Reference’s

Fischer‚ J. L.‚ Spann L.‚ & Crawford‚ D. (1991). Measuring codependency. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly‚ 8‚ 87-100.

Additional resources including percentiles are available here: Percentiles

The scale’s origin page: http://courses.ttu.edu/jfischer/Questionnaires%20Inventories/codependency%20scale.htm

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Items of the Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

Read the following statements and place the number in the spaces provided that best describes you according to the following list: 1 Strongly Disagree; 2 Moderately Disagree; 3 Slightly Disagree; 4 Slightly Agree; 5 Moderately Agree; 6 Strongly Agree.

1. It is hard for me to make decisions.
2. It is hard for me to say “no.”
3. It is hard for me to accept compliments graciously.
4. Sometimes I almost feel bored or empty if I don’t have problems to focus on.
5. 1 usually do notdo things for other people that they are capable of doing for themselves.
6. When I do something nice for myself I usually feel guilty.
7. 1 do notworry very much.
8. I tell myself that things will get better when the people in my life change what they are doing.
9. I seem to have relationships where I am always there for them but they are rarely there for me.
10. Sometimes I get focused on one person to the extent of neglecting other relationships and responsibilities.
11. I seem to get into relationships that are painful for me.
12. I don’t usually let others see the “real” me.
13. When someone upsets me I will hold it in for a long time‚ but once in a while I explode.
14. I will usually go to any lengths to avoid open conflict.
15. I often have a sense of dread or impending doom.
16. I often put the needs of others ahead of my own.

Scoring Note: To obtain a scale score‚ reverse score items 5 and 7 and sum all the items.