Assessing relationship satisfaction: development and validation of the Dyadic-Familial Relationship Satisfaction Scale

Relationship satisfaction can been defined as a complex construct that is comprised at least by two different dimensions, namely dyadic and familial. The aim of this research was to develop and validate a scale that can measure these different dimensions of relationship satisfaction, the Dyadic-Familial Relationship Satisfaction Scale. The validity and reliability of this scale was examined through Explorative and Confirmative Factor Analysis. Known groups validity was evaluated by comparing the scores obtained on the scale by participants who belonged to clinical and non-clinical couples. Consistent with our predictions, the Dyadic-Familial Relationship Satisfaction Scale was comprised of two dimensions (Dyadic and Familial). It showed high reliability and good convergent and discriminant validity (estimated by Composite Reliability and the Average Variance Extracted). The scale showed good known groups validity. Some gender differences were found with respect to both the Dyadic and the Familial subscales. Results suggest that this instrument could be usefully applied in the relationship satisfaction field of research and intervention.