Brief Description
The Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale (SF CDS) is a self-report assessment designed to measure codependent behaviors and attitudes. Respondents are presented with statements such as "It is hard for me to make decisions" and "I often put the needs of others ahead of my own." They rate how much they agree with each statement on a scale from "Strongly Disagree" to "Strongly Agree." This tool helps identify patterns where individuals may excessively prioritize others' needs over their own, struggle with decision-making, or have difficulty expressing their feelings.
Assessment Administration Type
Self-report
Number of questions
16
Age Range for Administration
Primarily designed for adults; however, it may be applicable to older adolescents. Research has validated usage predominantly in adult populations.
Recommended Frequency of Administration
No standardized frequency is established. Blueprint recommends administration as needed based on clinical judgment, such as during initial assessments, periodically throughout treatment, and at the end of therapy to monitor progress in addressing codependent behaviors.
Summary of Scoring and Interpretations
Respondents rate each of the 16 items on a 6-point Likert scale with the following responses and associated scores:
Score | Response |
1 | Strongly Disagree |
2 | Moderately Disagree |
3 | Slightly Disagree |
4 | Slightly Agree |
5 | Moderately Agree |
6 | Strongly Agree |
Reverse Scoring: Questions 5 ("I usually do not do things for other people that they are capable of doing for themselves") and 7 ("I do not worry very much") are reverse-scored. For these items, a response of “Strongly Agree” is scored as 1, 5 as 2, and so forth. After reverse scoring the specified items, all item scores are summed to produce a total score.
Higher total scores indicate greater levels of codependency. Currently, the SF CDS does not have established cut-off scores to categorize the severity of problems (e.g., mild, moderate, severe). However, in the initial study validating the measure from 1991, the authors note that a score of 67.2 or above was indicative of “high codependency” and a score of 37.3 or below was indicative of “low codependency”.
Score | Interpretation |
67.2 and above | High codependency |
37.3 and below | Low codependency |
These cut-offs are not formally included in the Blueprint platform as categories given their limited research support. The SF CDS serves as a tool for tracking changes in problem severity over time, allowing clinicians to monitor treatment progress and adjust interventions accordingly. Clinicians can use the SF CDS as a means to observe trends and patterns in an individual's responses across multiple administrations. Changes in scores can indicate improvements or deteriorations, informing clinical decision-making.
Blueprint Adjustments
N/A
Clinical Considerations
Estimated completion time: 4 - 8 minutes
Consider the individual's cultural background when interpreting the SF CDS, as perceptions of codependent behaviors vary across cultures.
Use the assessment as part of a comprehensive evaluation; it should not be the sole tool for diagnosis.
When determining frequency of administration, consider the individual's needs and evidence of codependent behaviors. Typically, this means administering it every few months or as significant life changes occur.
Citation
Relevant Articles + Further Resources
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