Spann–Fischer Codependency Scale

Scoring

The Spann–Fischer Codependency Scale is a 16-item self-report tool designed to measure codependency, defined as a dysfunctional pattern of relating that involves extreme external focus, suppressed feelings, and deriving personal meaning from relationships. Codependency lacks a formal mental health diagnosis. Developed by Judith L. Fischer and Lynda Spann of Texas Tech University, the scale uses a 6-point Likert scale with two reversed items, yielding scores from 16 to 96. A midpoint of 52.6 is typical, with high scores around 67.2 and low scores near 37.3.

The scale distinguishes known groups and correlates with intrapersonal measures and perceptions of parenting. It shows good test-retest reliability (above .80) and acceptable internal consistency (between .62 and .92). Scores are linked to factors like self-esteem, depression, and relationship with parents, but not to parental chemical dependency or childhood trauma.

Validation

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. Spann–Fischer scores have been associated with membership in Codependents Anonymous, gender, self-esteem, locus of control, depression, relationship with parents, and anxiety; narcissism, parental co-dependency, age, treatment outcomes and education, parenting style; powerlessness in relationships; and risk-taking - but not with parental chemical dependency; the number of family addictions, the severity of dysfunction in the family-of-origin, or alcoholism; childhood trauma; or family cohesion and adaptability.

Did You Know?

• Codependency has no established definition within the mental health community and is not a recognized diagnosis as a mental health disorder.
• The mean score of 52.6, high score of 67.2, and low score of 37.3 were suggested by Fischer, Spann, and Crawford in 1991.