Spanish Validation of the Differentiation of Self Inventory for Adolescents

Abstract

This study presents the validation of the Differentiation of Self Inventory for Adolescents by Knauth and Skowron (2004). Differentiation of self, a concept used by Bowen's family systems theory, is defined as the capacity for emotional self-regulation and intimacy with others. A total of 1987 participants between the ages of 14 and 21 participated in the study. The results of the EFA (sample 1; n=546) do not confirm the four-factor structure of the original instrument. Two subscales appear more clearly reflected (Emotional reactivity, RE, and Emotional cutoff, CE) in the item groupings. Considering these results together with the theory that supports the construct, it was used sample 2, in which we sought to evaluate, through a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA; n=1441), the adjustment of a S-DSI proposal for Spanish adolescents composed of 2 subscales (RE and CE), with 10 items in each of them. Results supported this solution, which is consistent with the validation proposal of this same scale in its version for Spanish adults (Rodríguez-González et al., 2015). Limitations, theoretical implications, and future research are discussed.