The Measurement of Perceived Relationship Quality Components: A Confirmatory Factor Analytic Approach

TLDR

The study examined three models of the structure and cognitive representation of relationship evaluation components such as satisfaction, commitment, intimacy, trust, passion, and love. In Study 1, participants rated intimate relationships using six established scales and a new Perceived Relationship Quality Components (PRQC) inventory. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a six‑factor model loading onto a single second‑order factor of overall perceived relationship quality, replicated in a second sample and across sexes.

Abstract

This research tested three models of how the relationship evaluation components of satisfaction, commitment, intimacy, trust, passion, and love are structured and cognitively represented. Participants in Study 1 rated their intimate relationships on six previously developed scales that measured each construct and on a new inventory—the Perceived Relationship Quality Components (PRQC) Inventory. As predicted, confirmatory factor analysis revealed that, for both sets of scales, the best-fitting model was one in which the appropriate items loaded reliably on the six first-order factors, which in turn loaded reliably on one second-order factor reflecting overall perceived relationship quality. These results were replicated on a different sample in Study 2 and across sex. Implications and advantages of the PRQC Inventory are discussed.