Further reliability, convergent and discriminant validity of overall defensive functioning

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Assessment

Background:

• Previous research established the reliability and validity of the Defensive Functioning Scale (DFS).
• Gaps in the literature necessitate further validation and replication of the DFS's clinical utility.
• Emerging data suggests positive clinical validity for the DFS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address existing literature gaps regarding the DFS.
• To replicate and extend prior findings on the DFS's clinical validity.
• To examine the relationship between the overall defensive functioning score (ODF) and psychopathology measures.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-three outpatient clients were assessed by DFS-trained clinicians.
• Interrater reliability for DFS levels and the ODF score was calculated.
• Internal consistency was evaluated using coefficient alpha.
• Factor analysis was employed to assess construct validity of the ODF.

Main Results:

• Moderate to high interrater reliability was found for DFS levels.
• Excellent reliability was observed for the ODF score.
• High internal consistency was indicated for individual defense levels and the overall DFS.
• Factor analysis confirmed the ODF is a distinct construct from psychopathology measures.

Conclusions:

• The findings provide robust support for the clinical application and relevance of the DFS.
• The DFS demonstrates strong reliability and validity in assessing defensive functioning.
• The ODF is a valid measure that differentiates from psychopathology.