Testing the ruler with item response theory: Increasing precision of measurement for relationship satisfaction with the Couples Satisfaction Index.

Abstract

The present study took a critical look at a central construct in couples research: relationship satisfaction. Eight well-validated self-report measures of relationship satisfaction, including the Marital Adjustment Test (MAT; H. J. Locke & K. M. Wallace, 1959), the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS; G. B. Spanier, 1976), and an additional 75 potential satisfaction items, were given to 5,315 online participants. Using item response theory, the authors demonstrated that the MAT and DAS provided relatively poor levels of precision in assessing satisfaction, particularly given the length of those scales. Principal-components analysis and item response theory applied to the larger item pool were used to develop the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI) scales. Compared with the MAS and the DAS, the CSI scales were shown to have higher precision of measurement (less noise) and correspondingly greater power for detecting differences in levels of satisfaction. The CSI scales demonstrated strong convergent validity with other measures of satisfaction and excellent construct validity with anchor scales from the nomological net surrounding satisfaction, suggesting that they assess the same theoretical construct as do prior scales. Implications for research are discussed.

Indicators of Marital Satisfaction of Batangueño Couples: Components of Love and the Other External Factors in Marriage

“…The dissatisfaction cut off score is 104.5. This implies that those whose scores were below 104.5 are dissatisfied in their marital relationship while those whose scores were higher than 104.5 are satisfied in their marital relationship [5].…”

“…Consequently, marital satisfaction will be determined through a self report scale called the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-32) developed by Janette L. Funk and Ronald D. Rogge. CSI-32 is believed to be more precise, more accurate and is able to provide greater amounts of information as compared to other existing measures of marital satisfaction [5].…”

The Relationship Satisfaction scale – Psychometric properties

“…Several questionnaire scales have previously been developed in this field, including the Quality Marriage Index (7), the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (8), the Marital Satisfaction Inventory (9), the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (10), the Marital Satisfaction and Commitment Scales (11), the Commitment Inventory (12), the Relationship Assessment Scale (13), the Marital Satisfaction Scale (14), the Couples Satisfaction Index (15) and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index for Couples (16). Such scales represent important contributions to measurement in this field.…”

Examining the Satisfaction and Values of Domestic and International Marriages

“…To address the unique issues that international couples face, this study was conducted to understand whether or not there are differences in marital values and satisfaction between domestic and international couples. Marriage satisfaction has become a central construct, which serves as a cornerstone for understanding how marriages work (Funk & Rogge, 2007); therefore, measures of satisfaction were deemed a reasonable starting point for examining this population.…”