Initial validation of the dyadic coping inventory for financial stress

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Relationship Science
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Financial stress significantly impacts couple relationships.
• Existing instruments lack validation for assessing dyadic coping with financial strain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the Dyadic Coping Inventory for Financial Strain (DCIFS).
• To establish a reliable tool for assessing how couples cope with financial stressors.

Main Methods:

• Self-report data from 132 heterosexual couples in therapy.
• Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to validate the DCIFS structure.
• Assessing discriminant, predictive, and convergent validity.

Main Results:

• A 23-item version of the DCIFS was supported by CFA.
• Subscales include Stress Communication, Supportive Dyadic Coping (DC), Negative DC, Common DC, and Evaluation of DC.
• The DCIFS demonstrated strong validity, with nuances in Stress Communication.

Conclusions:

• The validated DCIFS is a promising instrument for assessing dyadic coping with financial strain.
• Further research with diverse populations and longitudinal data is recommended.
• The study highlights the importance of understanding couple dynamics in managing financial stress.