The loving reciprocity scale: Internal structure, factorial invariance, reliability, and convergent validity

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Relationship Science

Background:

• Loving reciprocity, the balance of love given and received, is crucial in relationships.
• Existing measurement tools for loving reciprocity are limited, hindering research and clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a new instrument, the Loving Reciprocity Scale (LRS), based on the Triangular Theory of Love.
• To assess the psychometric properties of the LRS, including content validity, internal structure, invariance, convergent validity, and reliability.

Main Methods:

• The study involved two groups of Peruvian adults (N1=240, N2=521).
• Psychometric properties, including content validity (Aiken's V), internal structure (second-order model), invariance across gender and age, and convergent validity (correlations with well-being and relationship satisfaction), were evaluated.
• Reliability was assessed using ordinal alpha for subscales and the total scale.

Main Results:

• The 12-item LRS demonstrated strong content validity.
• A second-order model with three dimensions (reciprocal intimacy, commitment, passion) showed excellent fit and high internal consistency (ordinal α=0.953).
• The scale was invariant across gender and age groups, and loving reciprocity positively correlated with well-being and relationship satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• The Loving Reciprocity Scale (LRS) is a psychometrically sound instrument.
• The LRS is suitable for measuring loving reciprocity in research and clinical settings.
• Findings support the importance of loving reciprocity for relationship satisfaction and well-being.