Abstract
A review of the empirical literature suggests that having a dependent personality orientation increases the risk for a variety of physical disorders. Evidence also indicates that dependent persons are more likely than independent people to view their problems in somatic terms and to seek professional help for physical symptoms. The implications of these findings are discussed. The etiology of the dependent personality is considered in terms of problematic and disrupted parent–child relationships. Some issues warranting further clarification and additional empirical study are described.