Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop and verify the Relational Self Scale(RSS). Based on the theoretical assumptions which relational self is multi-dimensional and constructed in social contexts, 10 categories with 102 items were yielded. In the process of content analysis, item analysis, exploratory factor analysis and correlation analysis by administering 102 items to korean adults, 31 items with 7 factors are extracted. The 7 factors are consisted of 'avoidance of relation', 'consciousness of others', 'agency', 'instrumental relation', 'empathy-care', 'perceived support from relation' and 'over-dependency to relation'. Next, Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with 649 korean adults aged from 20's to 60's. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed the RSS as a valid scale. The 7 factors of the RSS fitted well with men and women. The internal consistency of the RSS was proved to be acceptable. The latent mean analysis indicated that the relational self was not significantly different between men and women at 7 factors. Correlation analysis showed that the construct of relational self was significantly related to relational self-construal, self-esteem and attachment to parent and intimacy person. This study has implication in that relational self is defined and assessed as multi-dimensional construct, and that by administering RSS it is possible to evaluate distinctive korean people's relational self.