Beaver, Claire A (2024) Testing the Factor Structure of the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales Self-Report-30 (DMRS-SR-30). Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Defense mechanisms are unconscious processes that protect individuals from emotional distress and anxiety. Despite their importance for mental health, accurate categorisation and measurement of these processes remains challenging. This study aims to validate the factor structure of the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales-Self-Report-30 (DMRS-SR-30), which is a newly developed scale to measure defensive functioning. Using an archival dataset (N = 376), an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to examine the underlying factor structure. The results supported the three-factor model which is consistent with existing literature including mental inhibition and avoidance, mature and immature depressive defense categories. Most items showed moderate to strong loadings, indicating a robust factor structure. However, reaction formation, affiliation, projection and devaluation loaded on unintended factors, indicating possible issues with construct validity. Splitting of other’s image did not load substantially on any factor (< .32). Additionally, omnipotence had a relatively low factor loading (.39) and a very low communality (.12), a finding consistent across multiple studies, suggesting a need for item revision or removal. The overall defensive functioning (ODF) internal consistency was high (α = .91), indicating excellent reliability though some subscale defense levels showed moderate to low consistency, aligning with previous studies. This study contributes to the ongoing validation of the DMRS-SR-30, bridging psychoanalytic theory and empirical measurement.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Wellbeing (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Professor Beccaria, Gavin |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Psychology) |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Jan 2026 00:28 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Jan 2026 00:28 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | defense mechanisms, DMRS-SR-30, exploratory factor analysis, factor structure, internal consistency |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1701 Psychology > 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5203 Clinical and health psychology > 520303 Counselling psychology |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/53075 |
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