Depression and dependency: distinct or overlapping constructs?

Background: Previous research has found a significant positive relationship between dependency and level of depression. The aim of the present study, using factor analysis method, is to test the hypothesis that dependency and depression constitute distinct dimensions. Methods: In a sample of 202 university students, a correlation matrix comprising items from both the Interpersonal Dependency Inventory and the abridged form of the Beck Depression Inventory was analysed using a principal components analysis followed by an orthogonal varimax rotation. Results: Evidence for a four-factor solution was found with almost no overlap of the significant factor loadings for the items from each scale, and with the factors corresponding closely with their respective construct. Conclusion: The findings support the view that depression and dependency constitute different constructs. Limitation: The results must be confirmed on clinical and heterogeneous nonclinical samples. Clinical relevance: The independency between depression and dependency could lead to different therapeutic strategies notably in 'socially dependent' type of depression. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.