Development and Preliminary Evidences of the Validity of Erskine's Relational Needs Scale

Authors

  • Ioseba Iraurgi, PhD University of Deusto, Bilbao
  • Ignacio Gómez-Marroquín, PhD University of Deusto, Bilbao
  • Susana Gorbeña, PhD University of Deusto, Bilbao
  • Amaia Mauriz-Etxabe University of Deusto, Bilbao
  • Richard G. Erskine, PhD University of Deusto, Bilbao

Keywords:

relational needs, relational needs scale, integrative psychotherapy, integrative psychotherapy research, integrative relational psychotherapy, attachment assessment, measuring needs, psychometrics

Abstract

Erskine’s Integrative Relational Psychotherapy is founded in a theoretical model that proposes eight relational needs, but there is a lack of an assessment instrument to facilitate research and therapeutic exploration. The development of a new scale to assess the eight needs is described including expert analysis, comprehensibility testing, and a preliminary study of its factorial structure and validity. Results show an optimal apparent and content validity (concordance kappa coefficients between .62 and .96), a high reliability (Cronbach alpha .96 for total scale and above .76 in the eight dimensions), and promising psychometric data. Future research work is discussed, especially the possibility to refine the scale, reducing the number of items in studies with more heterogeneous and ample clinical and normative samples.

Author Biographies

  • Ioseba Iraurgi, PhD, University of Deusto, Bilbao

    Assistant Professor of Psychology

    Principal Researcher for the group on Assessment, Clinical Psychology, and Health

  • Ignacio Gómez-Marroquín, PhD, University of Deusto, Bilbao

    Assistant Professor of Psychology

    Co-director of the Master’s Program in Relational Integrative Psychotherapy

  • Susana Gorbeña, PhD, University of Deusto, Bilbao

    Professor of Psychology

  • Amaia Mauriz-Etxabe, University of Deusto, Bilbao

    Director of the Bilbao Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy

    Co-director of the Master’s Program in Relational Integrative Psychotherapy

  • Richard G. Erskine, PhD, University of Deusto, Bilbao

    Professor of Psychology and Education

    Training Director, Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy

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Published

2024-12-17

Issue

Vol. 15 (2024)

Section

Articles