The Effects of the Balance between Autonomy and Dependency on Help-seeking among University Students

Abstract

In this study we developed the Japanese version of the Relationship Profile Test and examined the relationship between its three subscales (destructive overdependence, dysfunctional detachment, and healthy dependency (HD)) and help-seeking behaviors and help-seeking styles among university students. Results showed that HD was positively related to help-seeking behaviors whereas dysfunctional detachment was negatively related to them. Destructive overdependence was positively related to an excessive help-seeking style. Dysfunctional detachment was negatively related to an excessive help-seeking style and positively related to an avoidant help-seeking style as well as a self-directed help-seeking style. HD was positively related to an excessive help-seeking style and a self-directed help-seeking style and negatively related to an avoidant help-seeking style. We also tested a hypothetical model which assumed that the link between HD and adaptation was mediated by help-seeking behaviors. The indirect effect of help-seeking behaviors was not significant. The results implied that the unique effect of HD predicted adaptation.