[Diagnosis of ego functions and object relations based on rating scales]

This study investigated rater-agreement and the factorial structure of the Rating-Scales for the assessment of object-relations and ego-functions developed by Bellak and coworkers. A subset of the original scales with the modifications and translations performed by Streeck was used, altogether 19 scales consisting of sub-components of seven functions. These were applied in assessing patients with neurotic disorders, alcohol addiction and Crohn's disease (n = 25 each). Rater-agreement was not satisfactory: In almost all scales there were significant differences in central tendency; only in seven scales rater-agreement was adequate, it's height varying for diagnostic groups and functions. Results of factor-analysis showed a two-dimensional structure. Implications for further research with these scales are discussed.