Abstract

The literature on dependency motivation was reviewed from the viewpoint of life-span development. The definition, nature, content and some controversial arguments on dependency were discussed. The traditional notion of dependency decrement and independency increment with maturation and development from infancy to adulthood was questioned. Especially, the reappearance and/or increment of instrumental and emotional dependency in aging is clearly suggested. Therefore, the U-shape curvilineal relationship between age and the degree of dependency is proposed. However, the continuity of dependency through the life span as a personality trait or a habit is also discussed. It is also proposed that systematic and comprehensive studies on the change process of dependency with the elderly, not with infants or young children, are needed.