Development and Initial Validation of the Four-Factor Romantic Relationship Scales

Abstract

Four studies identified new, fundamental psychological characteristics of romantic relationships and collected evidence on the reliability and validity of scores on measures of these characteristics. In Study 1, 257 individuals in romantic relationships listed eight self-chosen words describing their current romantic relationship, generating a total of 79 descriptors. In Study 2, 530 other adults rated their romantic relationship on each of the 79 descriptors. Exploratory factor analysis using half the participant ratings indicated the ratings contained four interpretable factors: How secure, exciting, caring, and stressful the relationship is. Confirmatory factor analysis with the remaining participants showed a moderately good fit for this new four-factor model. Converting the factors into scales led to four nine-item scales. Study 3 (N = 89) showed scores on the Secure, Exciting, and Caring scales were associated with scores on measures of logically related components of love and with relationship satisfaction. Study 4 (N = 58 couples) showed that across all four scales ratings had significant intraclass correlations with independent partner ratings on the same scale. The study also showed significant associations between scale scores and both positive and negative affect and life satisfaction. The results of the studies provide initial evidence of reliability and validity for the new scales.