“…When defined, dependence is treated as a state where one is reliant on others to achieve one's goals. Dependence occurs within a social relationship and arises as an interaction between an individual and his or her physical and social environments (Anderson, 1971;Bond, 1976;Braden, 1991;Wilkin, 1987). Although independence is sometimes treated as an antonym of dependence and hence, can be defined as the absence of assistance from others, definitions of independence often refer to the ability to exert control over one's lifestyle, activities, friendships, needs and goals (Martin Matthews & Shipsides, 1989;Marshall, McMullin, Ballantyne, Daciuk, & Wigdor, 1995;Wigdor & Plouffe, 1992).…”