Abstract

RIVERA ARAGON, Sofía et al. Maintenance in Couple Relationships: An Assessment. Acta de investigación psicol [online]. 2022, vol.12, n.1, pp.117-138.  Epub Apr 24, 2023. ISSN 2007-4719.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fpsi.20074719e.2022.1.431.

The purpose of this research was to obtain the factor structure of the Couple Relationship Maintenance Scale using a Mexican sample of men and women. A total of 731 voluntary people (49.8% men, 50.2% women) were part of this study and agreed to do so confidentially. Based on results from an exploratory study, the scale was initially developed considering 178 items in order to assess maintenance of couple relationships with a 5-point Likert response style. The scale was divided into four subscales: Meaning (46 items, 6 factors), Motives (30 items, 4 factors), Strategies (46 items, 6 factors), and Consequences (56 items, 4 factors). Each subscale required its own psychometric analysis. Exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency analysis show a valid and reliable scale in all four subscales. These findings allow for a robust scale that allows the evaluation of maintenance throughout several of its components. The development of instruments like the one presented becomes fundamental in the evaluation of dyadic relationships that in turn develop healthy couple relationships, as well as evidence-based interventions.

Keywords : Maintenance; Couple; Adults; Personal relationship; Measurement.