ABSTRACT
Assessment of mentalizing ability in adults – a scale of reflexive function Refl ective function (RF) is an operative use of explicit mentalization ability. In the interest of promoting the ability to mentalize to help vulnerable children and their families, it is essential that the treatment and therapeutic approach take place within the zone of proximal development. Oft en, we as professionals tend to intervene where we would like someone to be, rather than meeting the person where he actually is. Focusing on the level of mentalization can help to ensure that a professional hits the zone of proximal development in a verbal or educational therapy. Th e measurement of mentalization is diffi cult when it comes to gathering information about mental states which are not directly observable. Although the measurement of RF has primarily been used in a research context, a professional can still be inspired by the scale, and use it as a kind of map to navigate by in an educational approach or therapy.
