Dependent Personality Disorder in Light of Some Variables Among Married Women in Aleppo City

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the level of dependent personality disorder among married women in Aleppo, based on the following demographic variables: educational level (illiterate, primary, preparatory, secondary, university and above), and the presence of a spouse (present, traveling, or deceased). The researcher employed a descriptive correlational approach. The sample consisted of 600 married women from Aleppo, selected randomly. The descriptive correlational method was used to identify differences among the sample members according to the study variables. The researcher developed a scale for dependent personality disorder based on several existing scales, including the scale developed by Nawal Bin Ibrahim (2024). The research concluded that the level of dependent personality disorder was low among the sample members. Statistically significant differences were found between the educational level groups (primary, university and above, preparatory, university and above) on the scale, while no statistically significant differences were found based on the spouse's presence (present, traveling, or deceased).  Based on the findings, several suggestions and recommendations were made, most notably: conducting workshops that address the potential mediation role of the social stigma associated with seeking psychological help in relationships. The hypothesis is that women in Aleppo who suffer from dependency may not seek help due to fear of stigma, leading them to rely more on those around them as an unhealthy substitute, thus reinforcing a vicious cycle of dependency.