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| purpose         = Measure co-dependency in order to operationalize it as a personality disorder
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The '''Spann–Fischer Codependency Scale''' is a 16-item self-report instrument that has been proposed as a measure of [[co-dependency]]. The scale is based upon a definition of codependency 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."<ref name=fisher1>{{cite journal |last1=Fischer |first1=Judith L. |last2=Spann |first2=Lynda |title=Measuring Codependency |journal=Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly |date=6 May 1991 |volume=8 |issue=1 |pages=87–100 |doi=10.1300/J020V08N01_06}}</ref> Codependency has no established definition within the mental health community, and is not a recognized diagnosis as a mental health disorder.<ref name="advpsych">{{cite book |last1=Dear |first1=Greg E. |last2=Roberts |first2=Clair N. |last3=Lange |first3=Lois |editor1-last=Shohov |editor1-first=S |title=Advances in psychology research. Volume 34 |date=2005 |publisher=Nova Science Publishers |location=Hauppauge |isbn=1594540799 |page=189}}</ref>

Its creators are Judith L. Fischer and Lynda Spann, both from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at [[Texas Tech University]].

==Scoring==
Individual items are rated on a 6-point [[Likert scale]], and then summed with two reversed items to describe co-dependency on a scale from a high of 96 to a low of 16. Scores on the codependency scale distinguished known groups; furthermore, scores correlated as expected with intrapersonal measures as well as interpersonal perceptions of parenting in the family of origin.{{Citation needed | date=July 2022}}

The mean Spann–Fischer co-dependency score is approximated with a midpoint of 52.6, a "high" score of 67.2 and a "low" score of 37.3 suggested by Fischer, Spann, and Crawford (1991). No significant between-workshop differences were found for Spann–Fischer measures of co-dependency in the cases presented (F = .042, p = n.s.).<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Harkness |first1=Daniel |last2=Hale |first2=Richard |last3=Swenson |first3=Melaney |last4=Madsen-Hampton |first4=Kathryn |title=The Development, Reliability, and Validity of a Clinical Rating Scale for Codependency |journal=Journal of Psychoactive Drugs |date=1 June 2001 |volume=33 |issue=2 |pages=159–171 |doi=10.1080/02791072.2001.10400481|pmid=11476263 |s2cid=25180247 }}</ref>

==Validation==
{{More citations needed section|date=July 2022}}

The scale was evaluated through a series of studies, utilizing the definition of co-dependency as a [[dysfunctional]] pattern of relating to others with "an extreme focus outside oneself, lack of open expression of feelings, and attempts to derive a sense of purpose [exclusively] through relationships" with others. The Spann–Fischer Scale is reported to have good test-retest reliability ( > .80), and acceptable internal consistency (.62 < < .92), across studies.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}

Spann–Fischer scores have been associated with membership in [[Codependents Anonymous]], gender, self-esteem, [[locus of control]], [[Depression (mood)|depression]], relationship with parents, and anxiety;<ref name=fisher1 /> narcissism, parental co-dependency, age, treatment outcomes and education, parenting style;<ref name=fisher2>{{cite journal |last1=Fischer |first1=Judith L. |last2=Crawford |first2=Duane W. |title=Codependency and Parenting Styles |journal=Journal of Adolescent Research |date=July 1992 |volume=7 |issue=3 |pages=352–363 |doi=10.1177/074355489273005|s2cid=145560531 }}</ref> powerlessness in relationships; and risk-taking<ref name="fisher3">{{cite journal |last1=Fischer |first1=J. |last2=Wampler |first2=R. |last3=Lyness |first3=K. |last4=Thomas |first4=E. |title=Offspring codependency: Blocking the impact of the family of origin |journal=Family Dynamics of Addiction Quarterly |date=1992 |issue=2 |pages=20–32}}</ref> - but not with parental chemical dependency; the number of family addictions, the severity of dysfunction in the family-of-origin, or [[alcoholism]];<ref name=fisher3 /> childhood trauma; or family cohesion and adaptability.

== Notes ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090724052212/http://courses.ttu.edu/jfischer/Questionnaires%20Inventories/codependency%20scale.htm Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale]

[[Category:Mental disorders screening and assessment tools]]