title: Extending the construct validity of dependency among conjugally bereaved adults.
abstract: The Relationship Profile Test is a widely used measure of dependency, detachment, and healthy dependency that has been examined in both clinical and nonclinical settings, though researchers have yet to validate this measure among conjugally bereaved adults. The present study examines the construct validity of a three-facet model of dependency-detachment by comparing relationships among self-report, semistructured interview-rated, and knowledgeable informant-rated functioning among conjugally bereaved adults. Participants (N = 112) included bereaved adults (M = 51.1 years; SD = 9.7) who had experienced the loss of a spouse 1.5 to 3 years prior to taking part in this study. Findings indicate adequate psychometric properties and theoretically expected associations with various measures of wellness and health including satisfaction with life, coping flexibility, somatic complaints, and ego resiliency. Results draw attention to adaptive correlates of dependency, suggesting potentially beneficial mental health interventions.
authors.affiliation: Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, USA christydenckla@mail.adelphi.edu.
authors.forename: Christy A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Denckla
authors.affiliation: Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Bornstein
authors.affiliation: Pace University, Pleasantville, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Anthony D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Mancini
authors.affiliation: Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, USA.
authors.forename: George A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Bonanno
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001601:Bereavement; D003858:Dependency, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009769:Object Attachment; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: bereavement; construct validity; dependency; detachment; resilience