Interpersonal Dependency Inventory: Its Construct Validity and Prediction of Dysphoric Mood and Life Functioning via Negative Life Events

Masayo Uji,Keiichiro Adachi,Toshinori Kitamura,Yukihiro Takagishi

doi:10.4236/psych.2013.412134

Abstract

Previous Dependency Inventory (JIDI) as well demonstrates how the interpersonal attitudes assessed by the JIDI generate interpersonal negative life events (NLEs) and therefore results in dysphoric moods and poor life functioning. The subjects of this study were 467 Japanese university students. The JIDI was administered at Time 1, and the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) was administered at Time 2 for the purpose of assessing dysphoric mood and life functioning. NLEs occurring between Times 1 and 2 were evaluated. The three-factor structure of the JIDI was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. The structural equation modeling demonstrated that of the three factors, only one, “emotional reliance”, predisposed individuals to dysphoric mood and poor life functioning, both directly and indirectly, via interpersonal NLEs. Although the other two factors did not increase vulnerability to interpersonal NLEs or dysphoric mood, “lack of social self-confidence” worsened general functioning, and “assertion of autonomy” led to poor functioning in close relationships, both directly. Furthermore, “assertion of autonomy” decreased anxiety levels. As to gender differences, simultaneous analysis of multi-groups showed that female subjects were more likely to become anxious following interpersonal NLEs.

Highlights

The Interpersonal Dependency Inventory Japanese Short Form (JIDI) was developed by McDonald-Scott (1988) by modifying the original Interpersonal Dependency Inventory (IDI: Hirschfeld et al, 1977)
We focused on the process whereby high “emotional reliance” or high “lack of social self-confidence” results in negative mental health outcomes
To achieve the second aim of this study, we examined whether interpersonal dependency as a personality trait impacts one’s tendency to generate interpersonal negative life events (NLEs), and to result in negative mental health outcomes

Summary

Introduction

The Interpersonal Dependency Inventory Japanese Short Form (JIDI) was developed by McDonald-Scott (1988) by modifying the original Interpersonal Dependency Inventory (IDI: Hirschfeld et al, 1977). Among the 48 items in the original version, those for which it was difficult to define corresponding Japanese expressions were removed from the JIDI, resulting in 23 JIDI items. The reliability and internal consistency of the JIDI were confirmed (McDonald-Scott, 1988). Hirschfeld et al.’s (1977) concept of interpersonal dependency derives from the psychoanalytic theory of object relations, the social learning theory of dependency, and the ethological theory of attachment, resulting in the ability of the developed inventory (the IDI) to evaluate both expressed behaviors and intrapsychic elements such as thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. As with the original version, the JIDI consists of three factors,

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Conclusion