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Published on: September 27, 2019
The reliability of relationship satisfaction: a reliability generalization meta-analysis.
James M Graham1, Kate J Diebels, Zoe B Barnow
1Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9172, USA. jim.graham@wwu.edu
Summary
The Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMS) is the most reliable measure of relationship satisfaction, while the Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Test (LWMAT) is the least reliable. This meta-analysis guides researchers in selecting dependable relationship satisfaction measures.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Quantitative Psychology
Background:
- Relationship satisfaction is a key indicator of relationship quality.
- Numerous instruments exist to measure relationship satisfaction, but their reliability varies.
- Assessing the psychometric properties of these measures is crucial for valid research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a reliability-generalization meta-analysis of 7 prominent relationship satisfaction measures.
- To evaluate the internal consistency reliability of these measures across diverse studies.
- To identify factors influencing measure reliability and provide recommendations for researchers.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of reliability coefficients was performed.
- Data were synthesized from 398 articles, encompassing 636,806 individuals.
- Seven frequently used relationship satisfaction scales were included: LWMAT, KMS, Quality of Marriage Index, Relationship Assessment Scale, Marital Opinion Questionnaire, Karney and Bradbury's (1997) semantic differential scale, and Couples Satisfaction Index.
Main Results:
- Internal consistency reliability estimates were calculated for each measure.
- The Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMS) demonstrated the highest average reliability.
- The Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Test (LWMAT) exhibited the lowest average reliability.
- Variance in reliability was characterized, and predictive sample/study characteristics were identified.
Conclusions:
- The KMS and LWMAT show significant differences in reliability, impacting their utility.
- Reliability invariance is critical for accurate cross-group comparisons in relationship satisfaction research.
- Researchers should carefully consider measure reliability when selecting instruments for their studies.
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