A Preliminary Investigation of a Telephone Administration of the Quality of Marriage Index

Abstract

Follow-up data collection presents many challenges for longitudinal research. Validating paper-and-pencil assessments for use via telephone may alleviate these issues. This study evaluates psychometric properties of the Quality of Marriage Index (QMI; Norton, 1983, Journal of Marriage and the Family, 45, 141) when administered by telephone and compares scores with the paper-and-pencil version. Participants included women with major depressive disorder and dyadic discord and their male spouses (n = 24 couples). Results suggest excellent scale reliability for the verbal QMI. However, a significant mean difference was found: participants scored on average 3 points higher on the telephone-administered QMI than on the written QMI. Recommendations for future research and clinical implications are discussed. © 2012 American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.