Measuring Differentiation of Self Within the Greek Culture: Theoretical and Psychometric Validation of a Greek Short Form of the Differentiation of Self Inventory-Revised

Abstract

Further to its US source culture, the systemic construct of differentiation of self (DoS) has been empirically validated in China, Cyprus, Iran, Italy, Spain, and Turkey. DoS has consistently correlated with various psychological adjustment indices, including marital and familial adjustment. The 46-item Differentiation of Self Inventory-Revised (DSI-R) is the global standard for assessing DoS, but only US-developed short forms (SF) exist. This study introduces a two-stage process to validate a 20-item SF of the Greek DSI-R. Initial stage involved shortening the Greek DSI-R based on EFA (Sample 1; N = 502), followed by iterative CFAs (Sample 2; N = 335). Final model maintained the original four-factor structure with good to very good internal consistencies, and a strong correlation with the original DSI-R (r = 0.95, p < 0.001). We relabeled the Fusion with Others subscale to Fusion with Parents to reflect potential cultural differences with the West and similarities with China. The Greek DSI-R SF offers a tool for systemic cross-cultural research, clinical assessment, treatment planning and progress, and therapeutic use.