Description

The Self-Assessment Codependency Test (SACT-20) is a self-report instrument designed to assess characteristics and behavioral patterns associated with codependency. In the source material, codependency is described as an emotional and behavioral condition that may negatively affect an individual’s ability to develop healthy and mutually satisfying relationships.

The instrument is intended to help individuals identify behaviors, attitudes, and recurring interpersonal patterns that may reflect codependent functioning.

Purpose

The main goals of the SACT-20 are to increase self-awareness, identify possible symptoms of codependency, assess their severity, and provide information that may support the planning of therapeutic or counseling interventions.

The instrument may also be used to monitor changes in behavior and self-perception during the course of an intervention.

Data Analysis and Use

Data from the SACT-20 may be used for the assessment of codependent behavior, the support of therapeutic decision-making, and the collection of research data concerning codependency and related interpersonal dynamics.

In research settings, results may be analyzed using descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and associations with other psychological or interpersonal variables.

Scoring

Scoring is based on the individual’s responses to each item, typically using a Likert-type response format, with options that may range from “Never” to “Always.” The total score is calculated by summing the individual responses.

The source material describes three broad levels of interpretation: mild, moderate, and severe codependency symptoms, with higher total scores indicating a greater presence of related characteristics.

Research and Clinical Applications

The SACT-20 may be used in contexts involving relationship counseling, psychotherapy, mental health assessment, and research on dysfunctional interpersonal patterns.

It may also support the monitoring of progress during intervention and the examination of relationships between codependency and other variables such as self-esteem, personal boundaries, emotional dependence, and relationship quality.

Psychometric Analysis

In research applications, the instrument may be evaluated in terms of internal consistency, reliability, validity, and factor structure.

The exact psychometric interpretation should be based on the specific version of the SACT-20 and on available validation evidence for the population in which it is administered.

Interpretation

Higher scores indicate a stronger presence of characteristics associated with codependency, whereas lower scores indicate fewer related features.

Results should be interpreted cautiously and within the context of a broader psychological assessment. The test should not be used on its own as a stand-alone diagnostic instrument.

References

Beattie, M. (1986). Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself. Hazelden Publishing.

Whitfield, C. L. (1991). Co-Dependence: Healing the Human Condition. Health Communications.

Larsen, L. K. (1985). The co-dependency phenomenon: An overview. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 17(4), 257–268.

Friel, J. C., & Friel, L. D. (1988). Adult Children: The Secrets of Dysfunctional Families. Health Communications.