Identity measurement with Frankfurt Self-Concept Scales and their relationship to parental bonding

Psychiatric inpatients and nonpatients were com pa red using the Franfurt S elf-Concept Scales (FSKN). Firstly, we tried to validate FSKN as a measure of identity using the DSM-III-R identity rating as an external criterion. T hen the FSKN ratings of patients and nonpatients were compared. Lastly, we correlated individual FSKN ratings with certain demographic variables, clin ical diagnoses, and the two dimensions of the Parental Bonding Instrument ( PBI). All FSKN scores of patients with identify disorders differentiated si gnificantly from those without identity disorder,thus confirming FSKN valid ity. The most significant differences were found in practically all FSKN re sults comparing patients with nonpatients of both sexes, always in favor of nonpatients. Male patients presented better self-concepts than female pati ents, whereas practically no significant relationships were found between F SKN scales and sex in nonpatients or between FSKN, vocational I category, a nd diagnosis. Also, the relationship between the scales and age appears to be slight, showing positive in patients and negative in nonpatients. Ma ny significant correlations were found between FSKN scales and PBI dimensions which were negative between the scales and PBI,,control" and positive betwe en the scales and PBI,,care", both especially in men with regard to their r elationship with the father.