Construct Validity of the Relationship Profile Test: Impact of Gender, Gender Role, and Gender Role Stereotype

Abstract

Research supports the construct validity of the Relationship Profile Test (RPT; Bornstein & Languirand, 2003), a 30-item, self-report measure of destructive overdependence (DO), dysfunctional detachment (DD), and healthy dependency. In this investigation, we assessed the relationships of gender, gender role, and gender role stereotype ratings to RPT subscale scores. In Study 1, we replicated earlier patterns of gender differences in RPT scores, assessed cross-sample consistency in gender difference effect sizes, and provided preliminary nonclinical norms for the RPT subscales. Study 2 showed that--as expected--DO items are perceived as stereotypically feminine, whereas DD items are perceived as stereotypically masculine. In Study 3, we examined the relationships of RPT subscale scores to masculinity, femininity, and androgyny scores. We discuss the theoretical, empirical, and clinical implications of these findings.

Construct Validity of the Relationship Profile Test: Links With Measures of Psychopathology and Adult Attachment

“…DD was not significantly correlated with many of the scales of the PAI, and showed smaller magnitude correlations with the SCL-90-R scales than did DO. This latter result was unexpected and could be related to DD’s lower internal reliability; however, when the internal consistency reliabilities of this study are compared to the past 12 RPT studies reporting Cronbach’s alpha values, internal consistency reliability, (Bornstein et al, 2003; Bornstein et al, 2004; Bornstein et al, 2009; Bornstein et al, 2010; Denkle et al, 2011; Denkle et al, 2015; Haggerty et al, 2010; Haggerty et al, 2012; Huprich et al, 2010; Hutchins & Raith, 2014; Porcerelli et al, 2009; Porcerelli et al, 2015) the present values are not much different from previously reported reliabilities (average Cronbach alphas for DO, DD and HD for these 12 studies are .82, .72, .74 respectively).…”

Extending the Construct Validity of Dependency Among Conjugally Bereaved Adults

“…Next, we examined the pattern of correlations between the three RPT scale scores and validating variables separately for men and women, given previous studies that have identified gender differences in self-reported dependency and detachment (Bornstein, 1992; Bornstein et al, 2004). Results are reported in Table 1.…”

RESEARCH: Religiosity and Healthy Dependency as Predictors of Spiritual Well-Being

“…All three subscales also showed good retest reliability over 23 and 85 weeks, with retest reliability coefficients unaffected by major life events and daily hassles experienced in the weeks prior to retesting (Bornstein et al, 2002;. Finally, all three RPT subscales showed the expected relationships with scores on measures of gender role orientation (Bornstein et al, 2004).…”

“…In addition, the three RPT subscales showed the expected patterns of intercorrelations and gender differences, and adequate internal reliability Bornstein et al, 2004). All three subscales also showed good retest reliability over 23 and 85 weeks, with retest reliability coefficients unaffected by major life events and daily hassles experienced in the weeks prior to retesting (Bornstein et al, 2002;.…”