Data Files for Development of the Codependency (CODE) Scale

Abstract

During 1986 to 1988, the CODE scale was developed to investigate the codependency, or “positive family background for a parent or grandparent who sometimes or often drank too much” status of student. When the scale is administered it is entitled the “Feelings Check List.” For the development of the CODE, 63 items common to “co-dependents” were used for initial evaluation based upon a literature search of characteristics of families with a history of problem drinking or alcoholism. The instrument was compiled and reliability was determined by administrating the questionnaire to students at four universities. After elimination of items due to non-significant differences between co- and non-co-dependents or items with reliability less than .3, eleven items remained. For these 11 items, a mean score was determined for each individual. Factor analysis revealed two factors which accounted for 59% of the variance. Since the reliability between both factors was .8, it was decided that one factor could be used for a total score.