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Connected and separate selves: development of an inventory and initial validation
J L Pearson1, M A Reinhart, E A Strommen
1National Institute of Mental Health, Rockville, MD 20857, USA.
Journal of Personality Assessment
|November 10, 1998
Summary
The Relationship Self Inventory (RSI) measures Separate Self (SS) and Connected Self (CS) orientations. Findings show the RSI is a reliable tool for assessing these self-perceptions in adults.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Self-orientation influences interpersonal dynamics and psychological well-being.
- Existing measures may not fully capture the nuances of interconnectedness versus autonomy.
- Understanding distinct self-perceptions is crucial in relationship research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Relationship Self Inventory (RSI).
- To assess two general self-orientations: the Separate Self (SS) and the Connected Self (CS).
- To explore manifestations of care within relationships.
Main Methods:
- The RSI was developed and administered to a large sample (N=1145) of adults aged 26-78.
- Reliability was assessed using internal consistency measures.
- Construct validity was examined by correlating RSI scales with measures of personality, temperament, and psychological adjustment.
Main Results:
- The RSI demonstrated adequate reliability for both male and female participants.
- While mean differences between genders were minimal for SS and CS, correlational patterns varied.
- Gender differences in scale correlations suggest nuanced interpretations of self-orientations across genders.
Conclusions:
- The Relationship Self Inventory (RSI) is a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring Separate Self and Connected Self orientations.
- The findings highlight potential gender-specific interpretations of these self-perceptions.
- The RSI is a valuable tool for research on self-perception and interpersonal functioning.