Psychometric properties of the Partner Ambivalence Scale in middle-aged and older adults

Ambivalent feelings in a partner relationship, characterized by simultaneous positive and negative emotional experiences, can significantly influence individuals' mental health. Traditionally measured indirectly, this study introduces the Partner Ambivalence Scale (PAS), developed for directly capturing the complexity of ambivalent emotions. This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the PAS, and assess the effects of ambivalent feelings on partner relationship quality and depressive symptomatology.

390 individuals (60% women), 40 years or older (M = 60.88, SD = 10.7), and in a partner relationship, participated. Data collected included ambivalent feelings in couples, marital satisfaction, frequency of arguments, and depressive symptoms.

The exploratory factor analysis of the PAS yielded a one factor structure explaining 59% of the variance of ambivalent feelings. Higher ambivalent feelings were associated with lower marital satisfaction, higher frequency of disagreements, and higher depressive symptoms. Even when controlling for covariates, ambivalent feelings contributed significantly to the explanation of depress on.

The PAS demonstrates good psychometric properties, making it suitable for use with middle-aged and older adults. Ambivalent feelings toward the partner are significant for understanding partner relationship quality and mental health and may increase vulnerability to depressive symptoms during middle and older age.