Dependence

The internal, psychologically felt wish or yearning for emotional (vs. instrumental or task oriented) support, care, comfort, attention, nurturance, and similar responses from significant others and attachment figures. Dependence in PARTheory also refers to the actual behavioral bids individuals make for such responsiveness. For young children, these bids may include clinging to parents, whining or crying when parents unexpectedly depart, and seeking physical proximity with them when they return. Older children and adults may express their need for positive response more symbolically --especially in times of distress-by seeking reassurance, approval, or support, as well as comfort, affection, or solace from people who are important to them--particularly from parents for youths, and from nonparental significant others for adults. Dependence in PARTheory is construed as a continuum, with independence defining one end of the continuum and dependence the other. (See acceptance-rejection syndrome; personality subtheory)