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Internal structure of the Reflective Functioning Scale.

Svenja Taubner1, Susanne Hörz2, Melitta Fischer-Kern3

  • 1Department of Psychology.

Psychological Assessment
|July 11, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The Reflective Functioning Scale (RFS) reliably measures mentalization of attachment relationships using the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). Findings support its psychometric properties and clinical utility in assessing reflective functioning (RF).

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • The Reflective Functioning Scale (RFS) assesses mentalization in attachment relationships via the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI).
  • Previous research highlighted its empirical contributions, yet psychometric properties required further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the reliability and internal structure of the RFS.
  • To provide data on the psychometric properties of the RFS using a combined sample.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of RFS scores from 196 subjects.
  • Assessment of interrater reliability, temporal stability, and factor structure.
  • Examination of demand and permit questions within the AAI framework.

Main Results:

  • The RFS global score demonstrated good interrater reliability and temporal stability.
  • Reflective functioning (RF) scores were significantly lower in individuals with mental disorders.
  • Demand questions formed a single latent factor, and most incrementally predicted the global score.
  • Permit questions contributed additional predictive value to the global score.

Conclusions:

  • The RFS is a psychometrically sound measure of reflective functioning (RF).
  • Results support the RFS's conceptual and methodological utility in attachment and clinical research.
  • Further studies can confidently utilize the RFS for assessing mentalization in attachment relationships.