Development and validation of the Assessment Inventory on relationship Risks and Resources (AIRR)

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate the psychometric structure of the Assessment Inventory on relationship Risks and Resources (AIRR), a multidimensional, yet brief, package of existing single-domain measures (relationship satisfaction, intimacy, trust, commitment, conflict strategies, reconciliation, coparenting, sexual satisfaction, and responsive attention). Background: In evidence-based approaches to couple interventions, a conceptualization of a couple's key issues and strengths is often an important clinical task. Method: A representative sample of 1,371 individuals, 18–69 years of age and cohabiting with a partner, completed the AIRR online. Initially, we randomly split the data in two halves. On the first split-half of data, we reduced the number of items, explored the psychometrics, and tested the internal validity of each scale separately as well as combined, using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. On the second half, we tested replicability of initial results. Results: After item reduction, each scale in the AIRR showed internal reliabilities (Cronbach's alphas) ranging from.72 to.94. Results confirmed a seven-factor structure of the 52-item package with the coparenting scale omitted. Conclusion and implications: Findings supported the AIRR as a reliable inventory that may effectively assist clinicians in the assessment of relationship risks and resources.