Incremental Validity of the Satisfaction with Relationship Status Scale in Predicting Young Adults\u2019 Well-Being. What Does It Tell Us?

Abstract

This study examined the incremental validity of the Satisfaction with Relationship Status Scale (ReSta; Lehmann et al. 2015) in comparison to the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS; Hendrick 1988). The incremental validity of ReSta was assessed using a cross-sectional (N = 239) and longitudinal sample (N = 117) of Polish young adults aged 20 to 36. The results showed that ReSta, as opposed to RAS, predicted life satisfaction, emotional and psychological well-being, but it did not predict depressive symptoms, which were predicted by RAS. ReSta also significantly contributed to the higher accuracy of cross-validation of individuals to single and partnered groups when compared with RAS. The Satisfaction with Relationship Status Scale as an analog scale measuring satisfaction with relationship status provides meaningful information in the prediction of life satisfaction, and emotional and psychological well-being when compared with RAS, which in turn is the only significant predictor of depressive symptoms.