The Splitting Index: Construction of a Scale Measuring the Defense Mechanism of Splitting

Abstract

The Splitting Index (SI), a self-report scale based on the writings of Kernberg (e.g., 1976) on self and object representations and the defense mechanism of splitting, was constructed. After development over the course of 6 pilot studies, the SI was validated through 2 further studies. Factor analyses revealed a 24-item scale with three 8-item subscales, measuring the splitting of self, family, and others' images. The SI and its subscales were demonstrated to be internally consistent and stable over a 4-week period. Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations with measures of borderline and narcissistic personality disorders, self-image stability, self-esteem, depression, and negative affectivity. Discriminant validity was demonstrated by near-zero correlations with two measures of cognitive complexity. Contrary to predictions, the SI was significantly correlated with the Dogmatism Scale (Rokeach, 1960), a third measure of cognitive complexity. Research and clinical applications of the SI are discussed.

Having a weak versus strong sense of self: The sense of self scale (SOSS)

“…The ''Self'' subscale of the ''Splitting Index'' (Gould, Prentice, & Ainslie, 1996). This measure is an 8-item subscale of the Splitting Index (Gould et al, 1996.).…”

Psychometrics and Validity of the Dutch Experiences in Close Relationships–Revised (ECR–r) in an Outpatient Mental Health Sample

“…The authors found only a weak association (r = .24) of attachment-related anxiety with projective identification and no associations of attachment-related avoidance with any of the defense mechanisms studied. Finally, Lopez (2001) used the ECR to study the association between attachment style and the primitive defense mechanism splitting, measured with the Splitting Index (Gould, Prentice, & Ainslie, 1996). In this study among college students strong associations were found between splitting of self-and other representations and attachment-related anxiety (r = .58 and r = .39, respectively), as well as less strong imposing associations with the attachment-related avoidance (r = .19 and r = .21, respectively).…”

Muslim Distress Mobilization Hypothesis: complex roles of Islamic Positive Religious Coping and Punishing Allah Reappraisal in Iranian students

“…This cognitive immaturity helps maintain psychological cohesion by simplifying attempts to understand instabilities in interpersonal relationships. In the present project, the Splitting Index operationalised Self-Splitting, Family Splitting, and Other Splitting (Gould, Prentice, & Aisnlie, 1996). Two instruments measured tendencies toward the borderline personality (Leichsenring, 1999;Zanarini et al, 2003).…”

“…The Splitting Index used eight items each to assess three forms of this defence mechanism (Gould et al, 1996). Exemplifying Self-Splitting (α = .78, M = 2.57, SD = .82) was the statement, "My feelings about myself are very powerful, but they can change from one moment to the next."…”