Measuring Reflective Function with a Multidimensional Rating Scale: Comparison with Scoring Reflective Function on the AAI

Over the last decade the concept of reflective function (RF) has become increasingly important in psychoanalysis. Fonagy and colleagues (1995) coined the term to describe the developmental achievement whereby children acquire the capacity to mentalize the thoughts, feelings, intentions, and desires of self and others. Drawing on developmental theory and research, they argue that the capacity for RF is dependent on the quality of interpersonal interactions, particularly the emotional relationship between the infant and caregivers “who are sufficiently benign and reflective” (Fonagy and Target 1996, p. 218). The concept is rooted in psychoanalytic object relations theory and attachment theory.

Reflective function has been operationalized by Fonagy and colleagues (1995) to evaluate the quality of mentalization in the context of attachment relationships, and initial research using the Reflective Function