Abstract
Despite the large growth of close relationships literature, partner behavioral control has been rarely the primary focus of research. It is also evident that the instruments for measuring partner behavioral control are scarce. Thus, the present study aims to develop and validate a 9-item Brief Partner Behavioral Control Scale (B-PBCS). The validity and reliability of the B-PBCS were examined in a sample of emerging adults (N = 511; 81.8% females; Rangeage = 18-25) who are currently in a premarital romantic relationship. To assess psychometric properties of the B-PBCS, we conducted a series of tests examining factor structure (exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses), measurement invariance (configural and metric invariance), reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability), and predictive validity. Results demonstrated that the B-PBCS has a two-factor solution (overt and covert partner behavioral control), acceptable measurement invariance, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and predictive validity. The overt partner behavioral control at baseline assessment has been linked to romantic relationship conflict and psychological distress at 14-week follow-up assessment even after controlling for sex, age, and relationship duration. In conclusion, the B-PBCS offers a valid and brief measure for assessing partner behavioral control.
Highlights
Over the last two decades, a large body of research has focused on understanding the nature and significance of romantic relationships in emerging adulthood
Using structural path modeling and data from 182 emerging adults, we examined the predictive role of the Brief Partner Behavioral Control Scale (B-PBCS) measured at Time 1 in romantic relationship conflict and psychological distress measured at Time 2 (14-week follow-up assessment)
Results from the research indicate that the B-PBCS is a brief, valid, and reliable measure for assessing partner behavioral control in premarital romantic relationships of emerging adults
Summary
Over the last two decades, a large body of research has focused on understanding the nature and significance of romantic relationships in emerging adulthood. Instead of committing to adult roles and responsibilities, today’s youth spend more time in romance and love before settling on permanent relationships (Arnett, 2000, 2004, 2007). Forming, maintaining, and ending romantic relationships appears as a critical developmental task in emerging adults’ lives (Snyder, 2006). Achievement of this developmental task is believed to satisfy intimacy needs (Fincham & Cui, 2011), contribute to finding a meaningful life (Mayseless & Keren, 2014), and associate with progress in adopting adult roles and responsibilities (Barry, Madsen, Nelson, Carroll, & Badger, 2009)
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