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Silencing the Self Scale
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About Silencing the Self Scale
Scale Name
Silencing the Self Scale
Author Details
Dana C. Jack
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
Born from research on depression in women, the Silencing the Self Scale emerged in 1992 as the brainchild of psychologist Dana C. Jack. Observing specific thought and behavior patterns in women struggling with depression, Jack theorized that certain “relationship schemas” might play a role. The Silencing the Self Scale was her tool to measure these patterns.
It comprises 31 statements assessing four key areas: how women perceive themself through the lens of others’ opinions (Externalized Self-Perception), the tendency to prioritize others’ needs over their own (Care as Self-Sacrifice), the suppression of personal thoughts and desires to avoid conflict (Silencing the Self), and the feeling of disconnect from one’s true self (Divided Self).
The scale quickly gained traction in research and clinical settings. It allowed researchers to investigate the link between relationship schemas and depression, evaluate interventions targeting these schemas, and deepen understanding of factors contributing to depression in women. While not infallible, its reliability, validity, and widespread use solidified its place as a valuable tool in understanding and addressing women’s mental health.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
The Silencing the Self Scale (STSS) is typically administered in a self-report format, meaning the individual being assessed independently reads and responds to the questionnaire items. Here’s a breakdown of the administration process:
- The actual STSS questionnaire, which can be found in published research papers or obtained from the author’s website.
- A pen or pencil and a quiet, comfortable space for the individual to complete the questionnaire.
Instructions: - Briefly explain the purpose of the STSS, assuring the individual that their responses will be confidential.
- Instruct the individual to read each statement carefully and indicate their level of agreement on a 5-point Likert scale, usually ranging from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree.”
- Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers and encourage honest responses.
- Allow sufficient time for the individual to complete the questionnaire without feeling rushed.
Reliability and Validity
The STSS has been extensively studied and generally demonstrates good reliability and validity, making it a valuable tool for research and clinical practice. Here’s a closer look:
- Internal consistency: The items within each subscale of the STSS tend to cohere well, indicating they measure the same underlying construct.
- Test-retest reliability: When individuals retake the STSS after a period of time, their scores tend to be similar, suggesting the scale is stable over time.
- Interrater reliability: When different professionals score the same STSS responses, their results tend to be similar, indicating consistency in interpretation.
- Content validity: The items of the STSS clearly and comprehensively reflect the concept of self-silencing in intimate relationships.
- Face validity: Individuals taking the STSS generally find the items to be relevant and understandable, reflecting the experiences they may have in relationships.
- Criterion validity: The STSS scores correlate with other measures related to depression, self-esteem, and assertiveness, supporting its ability to capture a meaningful construct.
- Construct validity: The STSS has been used in research to differentiate between different theoretical models of depression and self-silencing, suggesting it taps into a specific psychological process.
Available Versions
31-Items
Reference
Jack, D. C., & Dill, D. (1992). The silencing the self scale: Schemas of intimacy associated with depression in women. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 16(1), 41-61. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1992-29712-001
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it?
Measures self-silencing patterns in intimate relationships, linked to depression in women.
What does it assess?
4 key areas: externalized self-perception, care as self-sacrifice, silencing the self, divided self.
How is it used?
Self-report questionnaire by individuals. Research: understand relationship schemas and depression, evaluate interventions. Clinical: assess self-silencing for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Reliable and valid?
Yes, generally good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity measures.
Limitations?
Self-report bias possible. Developed for women, generalizability to other groups unclear. Focuses on intimate relationships.
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