Further Validation of the Family of Origin Scale: A Factor Analysis*

The present study attempted to describe the factor structure of the Family of Origin Scale (FOS) and to determine if this structure is congruent with that proposed by the test authors. The study also sought to evaluate the research merit of the FOS. Two factor analyses based upon college student responses to the FOS yielded similar factor structure and identified a salient factor which is common to other factor analyses of scales measuring perceived family environments. Discrimination studies suggest that the FOS differentiates between college students and other distinctive groups. It was concluded that, although the FOS measures dimensions that differ somewhat from those hypothesized by the test authors, it has potential valve in applied research.