Deenz Multidimensional Codependency Scale

According to research by <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0883-9417(98)80046-0">Hughes-Hammer, Martsolf, and Zeller (1998)</a>, 40 million Americans may be considered codependent, and women are mostly and severely affected. The research paper also tries to evaluate at how codependency and depression are connected and how they impact the social and overall well-being of an individual.

One of the most recognized instrument for codependency was Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale (SF CDS). However SF CDS was developed in 1991, modern psychology adopts a multidimensional approach rather than relying solely on a single overall score. This approach allows codependency-related traits to be evaluated across multiple domains, including Self-Sacrifice, Approval Dependence, Boundary Difficulties, and Relationship Enmeshment. Measuring these dimensions independently provides a more helpful profile of interpersonal functioning and may help identify specific areas of strength and vulnerability.

Deenz Multidimensional Codependency Scale evaluates self-sacrifice tendencies, reliance on external approval, boundary-setting difficulties, and relationship enmeshment patterns that may influence emotional well-being and interpersonal functioning.

This questionnaire tries to evaluate relationship patterns commonly associated with codependency.

Participants select the response option that best reflects how often each statement describes their typical thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The assessment focuses on self-sacrifice, approval-seeking tendencies, interpersonal boundaries, and relationship dependence.

This assessment is designed for adolescents and adults interested in understanding relationship dynamics, emotional dependence, interpersonal boundaries, and self-sacrificing tendencies.

Results should be considered informational and educational rather than diagnostic.

Responses are scored on a 5-point frequency scale ranging from 0 (Never) to 4 (Very Often).

Each of the four dimensions contains six items. Two items within each dimension are reverse-scored to reduce response bias and improve measurement accuracy.

Reverse-Scored Questions:

Question 5 | Self-Sacrifice
Question 6 | Self-Sacrifice

Question 11 | Approval Dependence
Question 12 | Approval Dependence

Question 17 | Boundary Difficulties
Question 18 | Boundary Difficulties

Question 23 | Relationship Enmeshment
Question 24 | Relationship Enmeshment

Reverse-scored items are automatically recoded before score calculation using the following conversion:

0 → 4
1 → 3
2 → 2
3 → 1
4 → 0

Raw dimensional scores are calculated by summing all six items within each domain after reverse scoring has been applied where appropriate.

Dimension Score Ranges:

Self-Sacrifice: 0–24
Approval Dependence: 0–24
Boundary Difficulties: 0–24
Relationship Enmeshment: 0–24

Total Codependency Score:

The Total Codependency Score is calculated by summing all 24 items after reverse scoring.

Total Score Range:
0–96

Higher scores indicate stronger tendencies toward the measured codependency-related characteristic.

Percentage Score = (Raw Score ÷ Maximum Possible Score) × 100

I often put other people's needs ahead of my own.

I feel guilty when I spend time focusing on myself.

I neglect my own needs while helping others.

I feel responsible for solving other people's problems.

I make time to take care of my own needs.

I can prioritize my well-being without feeling selfish.

I worry about disappointing people.

I seek reassurance from others before making decisions.

Criticism affects me deeply.

I often seek validation from people close to me.

My self-worth remains stable even when others disapprove of me.

I feel confident in my choices without needing approval from others.

I find it difficult to say no.

I allow others to take advantage of my kindness.

I avoid conflict even when something is important to me.

I struggle to communicate my personal limits.

I can say no when something conflicts with my needs or values.

I am comfortable expressing my personal boundaries.

I become emotionally consumed by important relationships.

My mood depends heavily on how people close to me are feeling.

I sometimes lose sight of my own identity within relationships.

I worry excessively about the well-being of people close to me.

I maintain a sense of identity independent of my relationships.

I can remain emotionally balanced even when others are struggling.