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

Abstract

Diferentiation 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 diferentiation 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 Diferentiation of Self in Work Relationships Scale (DS-WRS), the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Burnout Measure: Short Version, and the Diferentiation 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 confrmed that ft 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 coefcient 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 cutof, and I position. Higher scores obtained from each subdimension and an increased total score indicated an increase in the diferentiation 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 diferentiation level of individuals in specifc work relationships.