Developing and Validating the Spanish Version of the Large Language Models Dependency Scale (LLM-D12-SP)
The study validates the Spanish version of the Large Language Model Dependency Scale (LLM-D12-SP), a psychometric tool assessing psychological dependency on LLMs. The scale measures two dimensions: Instrumental Dependency (task and decision reliance) and Relationship Dependency (companionship and social interaction reliance). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure, with good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89 total). The scale showed discriminant validity and
Analysis
TL;DR
- The study validates the Spanish version of the Large Language Model Dependency Scale (LLM-D12-SP), a psychometric tool assessing psychological dependency on LLMs.
- The scale measures two dimensions: Instrumental Dependency (task and decision reliance) and Relationship Dependency (companionship and social interaction reliance).
- Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure, with good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89 total).
- The scale showed discriminant validity and external associations with internet addiction and perceived LLM trustworthiness, but weak links to need for cognition.
- This validation extends prior English and Arabic versions, supporting cross-linguistic use of the scale in organizational and research contexts.
Why It Matters
As LLMs become integral to work and communication, understanding psychological dependency is critical for ethical AI deployment and user well-being. This validated Spanish-language tool enables researchers and practitioners to assess dependency in a rapidly growing linguistic demographic, supporting culturally sensitive interventions and policy development. The findings also reinforce the need for cross-linguistic validation of AI-related psychometric instruments to ensure equitable global research and application.
Technical Details
- The LLM-D12-SP is a 12-item self-report scale with two subscales: Instrumental Dependency (6 items) and Relationship Dependency (6 items).
- Data were collected from 386 Spanish-speaking participants (mean age 28.0 years, SD = 6.1; 55% male), recruited via online platforms.
- Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the original two-factor model fit (CFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.06), supporting the scale’s structural validity.
- Internal consistency was high: Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89 (total), 0.86 (Instrumental), 0.85 (Relationship).
- Discriminant validity was established via correlation analyses showing moderate inter-subscale correlation (r = 0.52), indicating related but distinct constructs.
- External validity was assessed through correlations with internet addiction (positive association), perceived LLM trustworthiness (positive association), and need for cognition (weak or no association).
Industry Insight
Organizations integrating LLMs into workflows should consider monitoring employee dependency using validated tools like the LLM-D12-SP to prevent over-reliance and support healthy human-AI collaboration. The cross-linguistic validation of this scale enables multinational companies and researchers to standardize dependency assessments across diverse linguistic groups, promoting inclusive AI governance. Future efforts should focus on longitudinal studies to track dependency changes over time and evaluate the impact of training or policy interventions on LLM use behaviors.
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