The Inventory of Altered Self-Capacities (IASC): a Standardized Measure of Identity, Affect Regulation, and Relationship Disturbance

This article describes the Inventory of Altered Self-Capacities (IASC), a 63-item standardized measure of disturbed functioning in relation to self & others. The 7 scales of the IASC are Interpersonal Conflicts, Idealization-Disillusionment, Abandonment Concerns, Identity Impairment, Susceptibility to Influence, Affect Dysregulation, & Tension Reduction Activities. The psychometric properties of the IASC were examined in general population, clinical, & university samples, where the IASC demonstrated internal consistency & validity. Generally as predicted, IASC scales were associated with existing measures tapping borderline & antisocial personality features, depression, suicidality, substance abuse, somatization, & dysfunctional sexual behaviour. (42 refs)