The Differentiation of Self Inventory: Development …

Journal of Counseling Psychology1998, Vol. 4 5, No. 3, 235-246 Copyright 1998 by the American Psychological Association, Differentiation of self inventory : Development and Initial ValidationElizabeth A. Skowron and Myrna L. FriedlanderUniversity at Albany, State University of New YorkDespite the importance of Bowen theory ( , 1976,1978; M. E. Kerr&Bowen, 1988)in the field of family therapy, there have been relatively few studies to date examining itsconstructs or propositions. To fill this gap, a self -report instrument, the Differentiation of SelfInventory (DSI) has been developed. The DSI is a multidimensional measure of differentiationthat focuses specifically on adults (age 25+), their significant relationships, and currentrelations with family of origin. Six-hundred and nine adults participated in a series of 3studies, in which DSI scores reflecting less emotional reactivity, cutoff, and fusion withothers, and a greater ability to take an "I position" predicted lower chronic anxiety, betterpsychological adjustment, and greater marital satisfaction.

236 SKOWRON AND FRIEDLANDER 1978). Emotional cutoff is personified by the reactive emotional distancer, who appears aloof and isolated from others, tends to deny the importance of family, often boasts

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  Development, Self, Inventory, Differentiation, Differentiation of self inventory

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