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A factor analytic and psychometric examination of pathology of separation–individuation
Author(s) -
Lapsley Daniel K.,
Aalsma Matthew C.,
Varshney Nicole M.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/jclp.1059
Subject(s) - psychology , separation (statistics) , checklist , individuation , construct (python library) , variance (accounting) , clinical psychology , construct validity , scale (ratio) , psychometrics , developmental psychology , cognitive psychology , statistics , psychoanalysis , physics , mathematics , accounting , quantum mechanics , computer science , business , programming language
Two studies are described that attempt to determine if standard‐scale‐reduction techniques could yield a construct‐valid diagnostic screen of pathology of separation–individuation for use in nonclinical university settings. In Study 1 ( N = 210), a measure of pathology of separation–individuation (PATHSEP) was reduced successfully to a single, internally consistent factor, accounting for 36% of the variance. In Study 2 ( N = 304), these items also coalesced around a single factor, accounting for 35% of the variance. Study 2 also showed that PATHSEP is correlated moderately and positively with indices of insecure attachment, with the Center for Epidemiological Studies—Depression Scale, and with indices of psychiatric symptomatology (Hopkins Symptom Checklist). PATHSEP also was associated with a poorer profile of adjustment to college. Males reported more pathology of separation–individuation than did females. Evidence supports the construct validity of a shortened version of PATHSEP. Directions for future research are noted. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 57: 915–932, 2001.