Psychometric Properties of an Italian Version of the Differentiation of Self Inventory-Revised (It-DSI-R)

LAMPIS, JESSICA;BUSONERA, ALESSANDRA;CATAUDELLA, STEFANIA;Tommasi, Marco;Marino, Laura;Skowron, Elizabeth A.

2015-01-01

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Abstract

The differentiation of self is a key concept of Bowen’s theory, comprising an intrapsychic ability to distinguish between the feelings and intellectual processes and an interpersonal ability to maintain intense relationships while achieving an autonomous self (Bowen, 1978; Kerr & Bowen, 1988). Skowron & Friedlander (1998) developed the Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI); in line with Bowen conceptualization, it consists of four subscales: Emotional Reactivity (ER), taking an I-position (IP), Emotional Cutoff (EC) and Fusion with Others (FO). The DSI was subsequently revised (Skowron & Schmitt, 2003) in order to improve the reliability and validity of the FO subscale, which resulted in a revised 46-item scale (DSI-R). To date, the questionnaire has not been tested in the Italian context. Thus, we conducted a study to examine the internal and external validity of an Italian back-translated version of the DSI-R, in order to determine whether it is a useful tool for the study of the differentiation of self in Italy. The sample comprised 671 subjects (age 19 – 69yr). The confirmatory factor analysis showed a satisfactory fit (χ2 = 105.34, df = 48, p<.001; SRMR = 0.06; CFI = 0.96; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.06, 90% CI = 0.044-0.075). All four scales showed satisfactory internal consistencies, with the following Cronbach’s α (ER = .78, EC = .85, IP = .77, FO = .72, total DSI-R = .84). Correlations with the Dyadic Adjustment Scale were consistent with the theoretical relations among the two constructs. The findings confirm the use of DSI-R as a psychometrically sound measure of the differentiation of self in Italy. Its availability can assist in expanding research and in facilitating transcultural comparisons in issues related to differentiation. In the clinical practice, the questionnaire could help to assess differences in the individual functioning, problematic aspects of differentiation and specific patterns of self and interpersonal regulation.