Assessing Satisfaction with Differentiation of Self through Circle Drawing: Validation of a Revised Self-Report Instrument (SFI-R)

Ora Peleg

Abstract

This study revalidates an inventory of satisfaction with differentiation of self through drawn circles (SFI-R). The SFI-R (Revised version) improves upon the previous version in that it displays pairs of circles with differing levels of overlap and asks participants to select the diagram that best expresses closeness/distance between themselves and others, using a 6-point Likert-like scale. The sample consisted of 630 college students. We examined the psychometric properties of the SFI-R, assessing its associations with differentiation of self (DSI-R), differentiation from partner (DIFS), and inclusion of other in the self (IOS). We also assessed its contribution to trait anxiety and quality of life. The revealed associations between the SFI-R, on the one hand, and the IOS, DIFS and almost all DSI-R subscales, on the other, strengthen its validity. Results also indicated that this instrument is reliable. Our findings support Bowen’s contention that differentiation of self is an important aspect of psychological well-being. Further, theoretically, this research offers new insights into the association of quality of life and trait anxiety with familial characteristics.