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.