The Mate Retention Inventory-Short Form (MRI-SF)

Abstract

People devote considerable effort to retaining their mates. Mate retention tactics range from vigilance to violence, and are linked to variables such as marital satisfaction and relationship aggression. The Mate Retention Inventory (MRI; 104 items comprising 19 tactics) has proven to be reliable and valid. Given the importance of assessing mate retention in various contexts, there is a need for a briefer version of the MRI. In Study 1 ( N = 1032), we develop a short form of the MRI (the MRI-SF), which assesses performance of 19 mate retention tactics using two items per tactic. The tactic scales show internal consistency, high correlations with the MRI long-form tactic scales, and links with assessments of controlling behavior, relationship violence, and an assessment of injury. Study 2 ( N = 625) replicates the MRI-SF reliability and high correlations with the MRI long-form tactic scales, and shows links to a sexual coercion measure. We conclude that the MRI-SF is sufficiently reliable and valid that it can be used in basic and applied research in place of the MRI long-form for most purposes.