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The Differentiation of Self in Work Relationships Scale (DS-WRS): Development and Initial Validation

Contemporary Family Therapy volume 45, pages 36–48 (2023)Cite this article

Abstract

Differentiation of self, a basic concept of Bowen family systems theory, is the ability to distinguish between and balance one’s own feelings and thoughts, two basic life instincts in interpersonal relationships, as well as navigate balance between individuality and togetherness. This research aimed to develop a valid and reliable tool to measure differentiation of self in work relationships. The sample consisted of 346 individuals who were at least 20 years old, were currently employed, and were selected through appropriate sampling methods. A demographics form, the Differentiation of Self in Work Relationships Scale (DS-WRS), the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Burnout Measure: Short Version, and the Differentiation of Self Inventory Short Form were used for data collection. Data were analyzed by SPSS-22 and LISREL-8.5 programs. A four-factor structure was obtained after the exploratory factor analysis, and results confirmed that fit indices were at an acceptable level. However, the DS-WRS showed a negative correlation with burnout and a positive correlation with job satisfaction. For all subdimensions and the total score of the DS-WRS, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was found to be acceptable. Test-retest correlations indicated the scale’s reliability, and the item-total correlations, score were within acceptable limits. The DS-WRS consists of 18 items and four subdimensions: fusion with others, emotional reactivity, emotional cutoff, and I position. Higher scores obtained from each subdimension and an increased total score indicated an increase in the differentiation self of an individual in work relationships. After reviewing the psychometric properties, we concluded that the developed scale is valid and reliable for measuring the differentiation level of individuals in specific work relationships.

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  1. Department of Psychological Counseling and Guidance, Faculty of Education, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University, Valide-i Atik, Kartalbaba St. No: 36/1 Uskudar, Istanbul, Turkey

    Çiğdem Yavuz Güler

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ÇYG: Idea and design, data collection and analysis, interpretation of findings, reporting of the article.

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Yavuz Güler, Ç. The Differentiation of Self in Work Relationships Scale (DS-WRS): Development and Initial Validation. Contemp Fam Ther 45, 36–48 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-022-09643-8

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Keywords

  • Bowen family systems theory
  • Differentiation of self
  • Work relationships
  • Scale development