Design and Validation of a Conceptual Model of the Integrated Ego Based on Object Relations Approaches and Davanloo’s Psychodynamic Theory

Abstract

This study aimed to design and psychometrically validate a conceptual model and measurement instrument for the integrated ego based on object relations approaches and Davanloo’s psychodynamic theory. The study employed a survey-based instrument-development design. The statistical population consisted of university students in Tehran, from whom 503 participants were selected through convenience sampling from Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch; Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch; Amirkabir University of Technology; and the University of Tehran. The initial conceptual framework was developed through a review of theoretical and empirical literature concerning ego strength, ego development, adaptive capacity, defense mechanisms, emotion regulation, insight, mindfulness, motivation for change, anxiety, attachment, resistance, ego functions, ego differentiation, and object relations. Based on these domains, an initial 177-item questionnaire was constructed and evaluated by experts. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, and construct validity was examined through exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis and varimax rotation. The initial questionnaire demonstrated a high total Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, but several preliminary components showed inadequate internal consistency. Following item analysis, component refinement, and repeated factor analyses, 46 items were removed, resulting in a final 131-item instrument. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin coefficient was .901, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was statistically significant, χ² = 31,143.442, p < .001, confirming the suitability of the data for factor analysis. The scree plot supported a seven-factor solution comprising defense mechanisms and emotion regulation, mindfulness and motivation for change, resistance and lack of attachment, ego differentiation and quality of object relations, adaptive capacity and ego strength, anxiety, and ego functions. The seven factors jointly explained 37.988% of the total variance. Cronbach’s alpha was .928 for the total questionnaire and ranged from .792 to .902 across the seven factors. The findings supported a reliable and construct-valid seven-factor model of integrated ego functioning that encompasses interrelated defensive, emotional, relational, adaptive, motivational, anxiety-related, and executive dimensions consistent with object relations theory and Davanloo’s psychodynamic framework.