The Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale (SF CDS)

Abstract

The Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale (SF CDS) is a 16-item self-report instrument designed to measure codependency, a psychological construct often rooted in dysfunctional family and interpersonal dynamics. Developed by Fischer, Spann, and Crawford in 1991, the scale operationalizes codependency as a dysfunctional pattern of relating to others that involves an extreme focus outside of oneself, suppression of feelings, and deriving personal meaning predominantly from external relationships. The SF CDS is utilized primarily in clinical and research settings to assess the severity of these relational patterns.

Keywords

Codependency, psychological scale, relational dynamics, self-report, emotional suppression, dysfunctional relationships, SF CDS.

Authors

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

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale (SF CDS) is to provide a standardized, quantitative assessment of codependency. It is designed to evaluate the intensity of dysfunctional relational patterns where the individual exhibits an extreme focus on others, often at the expense of their own needs and emotional expression.

The scale helps researchers and clinicians identify individuals who derive their sense of meaning and self-worth predominantly from their relationships with others, a central characteristic of the construct.

Construct

The underlying construct measured by the SF CDS is codependency. The authors explicitly defined this construct as: “a dysfunctional pattern of relating to others with an extreme focus outside of oneself, lack of expression of feelings, and personal meaning derived from relationships with others.”

The development process involved reviewing various related psychological constructs often associated with relational dysfunction and familial backgrounds, ensuring the final 16 items captured the core elements of dependency, boundary issues, emotional repression, and external validation seeking.

Validity

While the provided source material focuses primarily on reliability data, the full description of the scale’s validity is contained within the initial publication by Fischer, Spann, and Crawford (1991). The authors reviewed several related theoretical constructs during development to ensure the content accurately represented the defined dimensions of codependency.

The items themselves exhibit high face validity, covering core codependent traits such as difficulty making decisions, inability to say “no,” emotional suppression, avoidance of conflict, and prioritizing the needs of others.

Reliability

The Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale demonstrates robust psychometric properties, indicating high reliability. The internal consistency of the 16-item measure was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, yielding a strong coefficient of 0.86.

Temporal stability was also confirmed through a test-retest procedure, resulting in a correlation of 0.87. These figures suggest that the scale consistently measures the underlying codependency construct and provides stable scores over time.

Factor Analysis

Detailed information regarding the factor structure and exploratory or confirmatory factor analysis results for the SF CDS is presented in the 1991 foundational article. Given the scale’s relatively short length (16 items) and high internal consistency, it is often treated as a unidimensional measure of global codependency.

Researchers interested in the specific underlying factors, such as those relating to self-neglect, control issues, or conflict avoidance, should consult the original psychometric description for a breakdown of the scale’s dimensionality.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report questionnaire / Psychological rating scale

Format: 16 items utilizing a 6-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 6 = Strongly Agree).

Language Available: English (Original research)

Population Group: General population; often used with individuals in recovery or those seeking counseling for relational issues.

Age Group: Adults

Population Details: The initial validation studies were conducted on samples relevant to the study of relational dynamics and alcohol treatment.

Test Methodology: Total score calculation involves summing all 16 item responses after reverse-scoring items 5 and 7. Higher total scores indicate a greater degree of codependency.

Keywords

Psychological assessment, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, relational patterns, measurement tool, emotional dysfunction.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not specified in the primary source documentation.

Affiliation Email addresses: Not specified in the primary source documentation.

Correspondence Address: Correspondence should be directed to the authors via the institution listed in the original publication (Fischer, Spann, & Crawford, 1991).

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

Test Year: 1991

Permissions & Fee: The scale was published in an academic journal. For commercial use or large-scale research, contact the original authors or the publisher of the Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly. The scale is widely reproduced for educational and research purposes.

Reference’s

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

Items of the The Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale (SF CDS)

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
2. It is hard for me to say “no.”
3. It is hard for me to accept compliments
4. Sometimes I almost feel bored or empty if I don’t have problems to focus
5. 1 usually do not do things for other people that they are capable of doing for
6. When I do something nice for myself I usually feel
7. 1 do not worry very
8. I tell myself that things will get better when the people in my life change what they are
9. I seem to have relationships where I am always there for them but they are rarely there for
10. Sometimes I get focused on one person to the extent of neglecting other relationships and
11. I seem to get into relationships that are painful for
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
14. I will usually go to any lengths to avoid open
15. I often have a sense of dread or impending
16. I often put the needs of others ahead of my

To obtain a scale score, reverse score items 5 and 7 and sum all the items.