Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale
The Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale is a 16-item self-report instrument used to define and measure co-dependency in order to operationalize it as a personality disorder. 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.
| Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale | |
|---|---|
| Purpose | measure co-dependency in order to operationalize it as a personality disorder |
Its creators are Judith L. Fischer PhD and Lynda Spann MS, both from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Texas Tech University.
In a series of studies, Fischer, Spann, and Crawford (1991); Fischer and Crawford (1992); and Fischer, Wampler, Lyness, and Thomas (1992) defined 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 has enjoyed good test-retest reliability ( > .80), and acceptable internal consistency (.62 < < .92), across studies.
Spann-Fischer scores have been associated with membership in Codependents Anonymous, gender, self-esteem, locus of control, depression, relationship with parents, and anxiety (Fischer, Spann & Crawford, 1991); narcissism (O'Brien & Gaborit, 1992); parental co-dependency (Irwin, 1995); age (Crothers & Warren, 1996); treatment outcomes and education (Teichman & Basha, 1996); parenting style (Fischer & Crawford, 1992); powerlessness in relationships (Cowan, Bommersbach & Curtis, 1995); and risk-taking (Fischer, Wampler, Lyness & Thomas, 1992) - but not with parental chemical dependency (Crothers & Warren, 1996); the number of family addictions, the severity of dysfunction in the family-of-origin, or alcoholism (Fischer, Wampler, Lyness & Thomas, 1992); childhood trauma (Irwin, 1995); or family cohesion and adaptability (Teichman & Basha, 1996).
Rating Scale
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.).[1]
References
- Fischer, J., & Crawford, D. (1992). Codependency and parenting styles. Journal of Adolescent Research 7: 352-363.
- Fischer, J., Spann, L., and Crawford, D. (1991). Measuring codependency. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly 8: 87-99.
- Fischer, J., Wampler, R., Lyness, K., and Thomas, E. (1992). Offspring codependency: Blocking the impact of the family of origin. Family Dynamics of Addiction Quarterly 2: 1-12.