Emotional dependency on courtship among youth (EDC): Development and validation of an instrument

Emotional dependency in interpersonal relationships is defined by the need of the other. As there is scarce research on the topic in young people, the aim of the study was to develop an instrument (DEN: Emotional dependency in Dating) to evaluate emotional dependency in those ages. The preliminary version was filled out by a sample of 286 adolescents, together with measures of emotional dependence, and the final version composed by 16 items was completed by 761 adolescents together with some measures related to dependence. The results have shown a factorial structure of four-first order factors (Avoid being alone, Need for exclusivity, Need to please others and Asymmetric relationship) and a second order factor (Emotional Dependency). The instrument has shown a convenient convergence with other instruments of emotional dependence and related constructs. The DEN has proved to be a valid and useful instrument to measure the construct of emotional dependence in couples of young people and adolescents.