Codependency Test: Free Online Quiz To Find Out Your Results

Codependency, often associated with long-term relationship dynamics, childhood experiences, and certain psychological patterns, is a developing area of psychological research especially when related to Borderline Personality Disorder as many struggle with overlapping symptoms.

We’ve used our experience as a former mental health nurse, coupled with support from a practicing psychiatrist, to design a scientifically-informed, research-backed Codependency Test. This test aims to help identify signs of codependency and return a quick result as to the likelihood of you being codependent or showcasing codependent behaviors. While this quiz can offer valuable guidance and validation, a professional evaluation is always recommended for a thorough understanding and appropriate intervention.

Although the term “codependency” is frequently used both informally across social media and in some clinical contexts to describe these behaviors, its interpretation and parameters can vary among professionals, making it essential to understand its broader implications beyond the common usage. For example, there are similar symptoms to being a part of an enmeshed family unit.

What is codependency exactly?

Codependency is a complex interplay of emotional reliance, often seen in enmeshment between individuals. It manifests as a strong tendency to be a people-pleaser or caretaker, frequently sacrificing your own needs. This behavior stems from a lack of boundaries, leading to relationship addiction or co-addiction. In many cases, codependency pairs with narcissistic relationships, where one person becomes an enabler, inadvertently supporting the other’s unhealthy habits or behaviors. This dynamic results in a cycle of dependency, with both parties struggling to find independence and emotional balance.

Signs and symptoms of codependency

Someone who’s codependent often grapples with self-worth and self-esteem issues, constantly seeking external validation to feel complete. This reliance can lead to over-giving in relationships, driven by a deep-seated fear of abandonment. This fear shapes their attachment styles, especially manifesting as anxious attachment, where the person becomes overly concerned about their relationships’ stability.

1. Low Self-worth: Codependent individuals often struggle with feelings of inadequacy. They might believe they’re not good enough, which can manifest as persistent self-esteem issues.
2. Over-giving and Self-neglect: Codependents have a tendency to put others’ needs before their own to the point of self-sacrifice or neglect, believing that their worth is tied to their ability to give or please others.
3. Fear of Abandonment: There’s a pervasive fear of being left alone or rejected, leading to behaviors that aim to keep others close, even at the detriment of their well-being.
4. Need for External Validation: Codependents often rely on approval, affirmation, or validation from others to feel secure or valued. They may have difficulty recognizing their own worth outside of what others communicate to them.
5. Difficulty Setting Boundaries: They often struggle to set or maintain healthy boundaries in relationships, which can lead to overextension, resentment, or becoming enmeshed with others. This lack of boundaries can also make them vulnerable to emotional manipulation or exploitation.

Their need for approval may lead to self-neglect, prioritizing others’ needs above their own. A lack of assertiveness further exacerbates these patterns, making them susceptible to emotional manipulation. Many times, these behaviors stem from dysfunctional family dynamics experienced early in life. The relationship dynamics they create or enter often mirror these unresolved familial issues, leading to a cyclic pattern of unhealthy interdependence and emotional turmoil.

Codependency Test information

Welcome to our online Codependency Test, designed to help you gain insights into potential patterns of enmeshment, reliance, and caretaking behaviors. This test is crafted by a former mental health professional in collaboration with a practicing psychiatrist, using insights informed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

Our user-friendly screening tool below aims to offer a preliminary understanding of your relationship dynamics and guide you towards professional assistance if needed. Please answer the following questions honestly and to the best of your ability, setting aside any preconceived notions or biases from what you’ve encountered on social media.

The Codependency Test

Take our free, online hyperfixation test by answering the questions below. You don’t have to enter your personal email should you wish not to, but we do need a valid email address to send your results to. Visit www.temp-mail.org to quickly create a free, anonymous, temporary email address instead and input it below. Test responses are automatically deleted within 48 hours of receiving your diagnosis likelihood result.

About you

Email *

How old are you? *

What gender are you? *MaleFemaleNon-binaryPrefer not to say

What's your relationship status? *SingleIn a relationshipMarriedDivorcedWidowed

Behavioral symptoms

What was your family role during childhood?The caregiver or 'parentified' childThe peacemaker or mediatorThe independent or 'invisible' childThe achiever or 'golden' childOther

Setting boundaries with people close to me is…Very difficultQuite difficultNeutralQuite easyVery easy

If my true feelings might upset someone, I typically…Avoid the topic or stay silentExpress them but in a very cautious mannerOpenly express them regardless of the outcomeChange the subject or redirect the conversation

I've stayed in relationships because I was afraid of being alone…TrueUnsureFalse

Are your thoughts aligned with your actions/decisions?Not at allNot reallyUnsureSometimesAll the time

E.g. you think you should do something / make a tough decision and then actually do nothing about it or prolong it.

Emotional reliance *

	Strongly disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
I often put others' needs above my own, even if it means neglecting my well-being	Strongly disagreeI often put others' needs above my own, even if it means neglecting my well-being Strongly disagree	DisagreeI often put others' needs above my own, even if it means neglecting my well-being Disagree	NeutralI often put others' needs above my own, even if it means neglecting my well-being Neutral	AgreeI often put others' needs above my own, even if it means neglecting my well-being Agree	Strongly AgreeI often put others' needs above my own, even if it means neglecting my well-being Strongly Agree
I often doubt my decisions or feelings, wondering if they are "right."	Strongly disagreeI often doubt my decisions or feelings, wondering if they are "right." Strongly disagree	DisagreeI often doubt my decisions or feelings, wondering if they are "right." Disagree	NeutralI often doubt my decisions or feelings, wondering if they are "right." Neutral	AgreeI often doubt my decisions or feelings, wondering if they are "right." Agree	Strongly AgreeI often doubt my decisions or feelings, wondering if they are "right." Strongly Agree
I struggle with recognizing my own needs or desires.	Strongly disagreeI struggle with recognizing my own needs or desires. Strongly disagree	DisagreeI struggle with recognizing my own needs or desires. Disagree	NeutralI struggle with recognizing my own needs or desires. Neutral	AgreeI struggle with recognizing my own needs or desires. Agree	Strongly AgreeI struggle with recognizing my own needs or desires. Strongly Agree

Affecting life *

	Never	Rarely	Sometimes	Often	Always
I feel responsible for other people's feelings or actions	NeverI feel responsible for other people's feelings or actions Never	RarelyI feel responsible for other people's feelings or actions Rarely	SometimesI feel responsible for other people's feelings or actions Sometimes	OftenI feel responsible for other people's feelings or actions Often	AlwaysI feel responsible for other people's feelings or actions Always
I find it difficult to communicate my true feelings if I believe they will upset someone	NeverI find it difficult to communicate my true feelings if I believe they will upset someone Never	RarelyI find it difficult to communicate my true feelings if I believe they will upset someone Rarely	SometimesI find it difficult to communicate my true feelings if I believe they will upset someone Sometimes	OftenI find it difficult to communicate my true feelings if I believe they will upset someone Often	AlwaysI find it difficult to communicate my true feelings if I believe they will upset someone Always
How often do you believe your self-worth depends on others' opinions of you?	NeverHow often do you believe your self-worth depends on others' opinions of you? Never	RarelyHow often do you believe your self-worth depends on others' opinions of you? Rarely	SometimesHow often do you believe your self-worth depends on others' opinions of you? Sometimes	OftenHow often do you believe your self-worth depends on others' opinions of you? Often	AlwaysHow often do you believe your self-worth depends on others' opinions of you? Always
I often compromise my values or beliefs to avoid conflict with others	NeverI often compromise my values or beliefs to avoid conflict with others Never	RarelyI often compromise my values or beliefs to avoid conflict with others Rarely	SometimesI often compromise my values or beliefs to avoid conflict with others Sometimes	OftenI often compromise my values or beliefs to avoid conflict with others Often	AlwaysI often compromise my values or beliefs to avoid conflict with others Always

How severely do your symptoms interfere with life?

Selected Value: 0

1 = Not at all… 7 = It’s disabling

Submit

Overcoming codependency behaviors

Overcoming codependency begins with self-awareness. Recognize and accept your codependent patterns. Prioritize self-care and understand that it’s not selfish to set boundaries; it’s essential for mental well-being. Engage in therapy, preferably with professionals experienced in codependency, to unpack deep-rooted issues. Support groups like Codependents Anonymous can offer understanding and strategies.

Educate yourself on healthy relationship dynamics and differentiate between supportive behavior and enabling. Practice assertiveness, ensuring your needs are communicated and met. Lastly, invest in personal growth, ensuring your self-worth is not solely tethered to others. With time, patience, and consistent effort, codependent behaviors can be transformed into healthy, interdependent relationships.

Codependency Test FAQs