The Dyadic Splitting Scale

Defensive splitting, a concept originally developed by object relations theorists, has proven to be particularly important in understanding the interpersonal dynamics of individuals who were traumatized in childhood. This article describes how splitting affects the couple's relationship and presents a scale developed to measure splitting in couples. The psychometric aspects of the instrument are presented as tested in small groups of healthy non-clinic couples, couples with narcissistic vulnerability, and men who batter.