Differentiation of self: A validation study of the Bowen theory construct.

Abstract

The Differentiation of Self Inventory—Revised (DSI-R; Skowron & Schmitt, 2003, “Assessing interpersonal fusion: Reliability and validity of a new DSI fusion with others subscale,” Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 29, 209–222) assesses a central construct of Murray Bowen's Family Systems Theory. Differentiation of self (DoS) consists of both intra- and interpersonal dimensions, or the capacities for affect regulation and negotiating relational separateness and togetherness. In this study we examined the internal and external structure of the DSI-R with a sample of 749 university students. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor, first-order solution and offered evidence for a two-dimensional higher-order structure of DoS. The three factors exhibited acceptable reliability and demonstrated theoretically consistent associations with parentification and mental health symptoms. The results confirm the use of the DSI-R as a psychometrically sound measure of DoS. Implications for future research and clinical practice are addressed.

Development of the Short Version of the Individuation Test for Emerging Adults (ITEA–S) and Its Measurement Invariance Across Slovene and U.S. Emerging Adults

“…These results might reflect the fact that both ITEA-S and PSI measure interpersonal aspects of differentiation of self, whereas DSI-R assesses both the intrapsychic and interpersonal aspects of differentiation. Another possible explanation is that the DSI-R differs from the PSI in that it includes a small number of items pertaining to relations with one's partner or spouse, although it has been used in studies with samples of emerging adults (Jankowski & Hooper, 2012;Skowron, Wester, & Azen, 2004).…”

Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury, Stress, and Self‐Differentiation

“…Total scores were averaged. Jankowski and Hooper (2012) used these subscales with a sample composed mostly of young adults and reported adequate reliability for scores on the Emotional Reactivity subscale (α = .86) and the I Position subscale (α = .79). Skowron and Friedlander (1998) also provided evidence for the validity and reliability of scores.…”

Cross‐Cultural Validity of Bowen Theory in Southern European Countries

“…Over the past decade, the DSI-R has been researched extensively, and it has been tested in non-Anglophone countries. Some studies have been conducted in Asian countries, such as China (Lam & Chan-So, 2013), and have examined the psychometric properties of the DSI-R with Asian-American bicultural adults living in the United States (Lee & Johnson, 2017) or have involved a sample of White American, Black American, Hispanic, Asian or Asian-American, and Native American people (Jankowski & Hooper, 2012).…”