The Loss in Connection with Catastrophes (LICCS) Scale: Understanding couple outcomes

This study presented the design of the Loss in Connection with Catastrophes Scale (LICCS). Information regarding reliability and validity were presented, alongside the potential uses of this instrument in research and clinical settings. Furthermore, the importance of attending to couple and family relationships in disaster studies was proposed, and preliminary dyadic findings examining the LICCS with a sample of heterosexual couples (N = 240) as a correlate of mental and relational well-being were set forth. The overall findings suggest (a) resource loss as well as indicators of mental and relational well-being were associated among couples and (b) greater resource loss was associated with greater distress within and between partners. This study was important in that it is one of only a few in the past two decades to utilize dyadic data in the study of couples and disasters. Directions for future study using the LICCS to understand loss processes were addressed.