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Co-Dependency Test

Co-dependency is the tendency to enmesh oneself with the self of another person, sacrificing oneself and suppressing one's own emotions and needs in order to cater to the needs of the other person. People with codependent tendencies often exhibit low self-esteem, but it is unclear whether this is a cause or an effect of the characteristics associated with codependency.

This test is based on the Friel Co-Dependency Assessment Inventory, which has repeatedly been shown to have high validity and high internal consistency.

Do you have co-dependent tendencies? For each of the following statements, indicate your level of agreement below.

Question 1 of 20

When in a relationship, I consistently ignore my own needs while trying to please the other person.

Disagree
Agree

NEXT

The IDRlabs Co-Dependency Test (IDR-CT) was developed by IDRlabs. The IDR-CT is based on the work of John Friel, who developed the Co-Dependency Assessment Inventory. The IDR-CT is not associated with any specific researchers in the field of psychopathology, clinical psychology, or any affiliated research institutions.

The test provides feedback such as the following: Mild co-dependency: Your answers indicate a mild degree of co-dependency. Though there may be times when you have difficulty identifying your own feelings, making decisions regarding relationships, and understanding how your helpful behavior may be enabling the harmful actions of others, the intensity and frequency of these occurrences do not appear to be the norm for you. Most of the time you can function independently as an individual without the need for co-dependent relationships.

Moderate co-dependency: Your answers indicate a moderate degree of co-dependency. There may regularly be times when you have difficulty identifying your own feelings, making decisions regarding relationships, understanding how your helpful actions are enabling the bad behavior of others, and communicating straightforwardly in a relationship. Generally, you may be so invested in such relationships that there will be situations when you can’t function adequately without these co-dependent dynamics. As co-dependent individuals tend to form toxic relationships, it may be helpful to seek professional help and reflect on these dynamics to the degree that they are present in your relationships.

Your answers indicate that you have little need for concern regarding co-dependency. Though there may be certain times when you have difficulty identifying your own feelings, making decisions regarding relationships, understanding your responsibility for others’ actions, having a healthy self-esteem, and communicating in a relationship, the intensity and frequency of these occurrences are not alarming. Generally, you can function independently as an individual.

Your answers indicate that you have a moderate need for concern regarding co-dependency. There may be several times when you have difficulty identifying your own feelings, making decisions regarding relationships, understanding your responsibility for others’ actions, having a healthy self-esteem, and communicating in a relationship. Generally, you may be so invested in a relationship that there are situations when you can’t adequately function independently. Codependent individuals tend to form toxic relationships.

Your answers indicate that you have a severe need for concern and intervention regarding co-dependency. There may be a number of times when you have difficulty identifying your own feelings, making decisions regarding relationships, understanding your responsibility for others’ actions, having a healthy self-esteem, and communicating in a relationship. Generally, you may be so invested in a relationship that you can’t adequately function independently. Codependent individuals tend to form toxic relationships. It is helpful to seek professional help and reflect on the quality of your relationships.

The IDRlabs Co-Dependency Test was informed by the Co-Dependency Assessment Inventory’s criteria for co-dependency, as published in Friel, J. (1985 May/June). Co-Dependency Assessment Inventory: A preliminary research tool. Focus on the Family and Chemical Dependency, 8(3), p. 20-21. Friel, J.C. and Friel, L.D., (1987, Nov/Dec). Uncovering our frozen feelings. Focus Group, p.10-12. Friel, J.C. and Friel, L.D. (1988). Adult children: The secrets of dysfunctional families. Pompano Beach, FL: Health Communications. Friel, L., Friel, J., R Subby, R. (1984). Co-dependence and the Search for Identity. Pompano Beach, Florida: Health Communications, Inc.

The work of Dr. Friel has also informed some of the diagnostic criteria in the form of the widely used psychological instrument, the Co-Dependency Assessment Inventory, for clinical use especially by qualified mental health professionals. The present test is intended for educational purposes only. IDRlabs and the present IDRlabs Co-Dependency Test are independent of the above researchers, organizations, or their affiliated institutions.

The Co-Dependency Test is based on a famous and well-regarded inventory for the assessment of the clinical concept of co-dependency. However, free online tests and quizzes such as this one are solely first takes and cannot provide accurate assessments of your potential condition. Hence, the test is intended to be used for educational purposes only. A definitive mental health assessment can be made only by a qualified mental health professional.

As the publishers of this free online co-dependency test, which allows you to screen yourself for the signs and symptoms of this condition, we have striven to make the test as reliable and valid as possible by subjecting it to statistical controls and validation. However, free online quizzes such as the present co-dependency test do not provide professional assessments or recommendations of any kind; the test is provided entirely “as-is.” For more information about any of our online tests and quizzes, please consult our Terms of Service.

Why Use This Test?

1. Free. This Co-Dependency Test is delivered to you free of charge and will allow you to obtain your scores related to characteristic attitudes and symptoms of co-dependency.

2. Clinically oriented. The feedback delivered by this instrument is based on the work of clinical psychologists and is designed to deliver a clear clinical picture of the respondent’s current symptoms indicating co-dependency as measured according to standardized items.

3. Statistical controls. Statistical analysis of the test is conducted to ensure maximum accuracy and validity of the test scores.

4. Made by professionals. The present test has been made with the input of people who work professionally with psychology and individual differences research.