Help! I need somebody: Development and validation of the Romantic Support-Seeking (RoSS) scale

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Relationship Science

Background:

• Distinct categories of support-seeking (direct, indirect, emotional, instrumental) exist.
• No single measure comprehensively assesses these behaviors within romantic relationships.
• Understanding support-seeking is vital for relationship satisfaction and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a comprehensive scale measuring support-seeking behaviors in romantic relationships.
• Introduce the Romantic Support-Seeking (RoSS) scale.

Main Methods:

• Study 1: Open-ended questions for item generation (N=117).
• Study 2: Exploratory factor analysis for scale structure (N=491).
• Study 3: Confirmatory factor analysis and construct validity using attachment, relationship quality, and coping measures (N=355).

Main Results:

• Identified four reliable subscales: direct emotional support-seeking, direct instrumental support-seeking, indirect support-seeking, and no support wanted.
• The RoSS scale demonstrated strong psychometric properties and construct validity.
• The scale captures a full spectrum of support-seeking behaviors, including the choice to not seek support.

Conclusions:

• The RoSS scale is a validated instrument for assessing diverse support-seeking strategies in romantic relationships.
• Findings have clinical and research implications for understanding relationship dynamics and improving couple's distress management.
• Future research should examine the RoSS scale's applicability across diverse demographic groups.