The Modified Interpersonal Relationship Scale: Reliability and Validity

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate a modification of the Interpersonal Relationship Scale and to establish subscales representing dimensions of intimacy (N = 356). The initial self-report scale was tested for internal consistency reliability.Next, subscales were identified using principal components factoring with varimax rotation. Internal consistency reliability and concurrent validity of the modified over-all scale and subscales were examined. The modified scale and subscales provided reliable and valid measures of the quality of interpersonal relationships in young adults.Using both family and individual theories, scholars have identified the ability to develop and maintain intimate relations as a primary developmental task for young adults. From a f a d y systems perspective, Carter and McGoldrick (1988) observed that a primary task for young adults is to separate from the family of origin, develop a sense of self, and join with a spouse to form a new family subsystem. From an individual perspective, Erikson (1968) used a psychodynamic approach to illustrate that establishing a sense of identity during adolescence serves as the foundation for developing intimate relationships in young adulthood. These conceptualizations include the proposal that the process of defining a sense of oneself apart from the family of origin and forming intimate relations is central to the development of young adults.Although the ability of individuals to engage in intimate relations is identified as an important part of adulthood, the components of quality relationships are difficult to measure. Although originally designed to assess over-all quality in relations with one other person, the Interpersonal Relationship Scale (Guerney, 1977) has the potential to identify components of interpersonal relationship quality. This scale was developed to measure the quality of relationship and to evaluate the effects of a program, the Programs for Relationship Improvement by Maximizing Empathy and Self-disclosure (Guerney, 1977;Schlein, 1971). For the purposes of the initial scale development, interpersonal relationship quality was conceptualized as encompassing elements such as "acceptance, respect and admiration, understanding, friendship and companionship, ease in communication, sharing, caring and concern, wanting

Direct and indirect effects of self-image congruence on brand loyalty

“…We also drew on the work of Hayes et al (2000) who used a condensed version of Fournier's measure capturing the dimensions of "interdependence," "partner quality," and "intimacy." In relation to the dimension of "love and passion," we conducted a pre-test in which 13 experts (all of which held a doctoral degree in marketing) were requested to evaluate items from the Modified Interpersonal Relationship Scale (Garthoeffner et al, 1993) to the extent that these items can describe love and passion in a brand relationship. This led to the selection of three items capturing "love and passion."…”

Masculinity Ideology, Male Identity, and Romantic Relationship Quality Among Heterosexual and Gay Men

“…The MIRS (Garthoeffner et al 1993) is a revision of the Interpersonal Relationship Scale developed by Schlein et al (1990). The 49-item measure assesses the quality of one's romantic relationship and has six subscales: Trust, SelfDisclosure, Genuineness, Empathy, Comfort, and Communication.…”

Chinese online gamers versus nongamers: A difference in social media use and associated well‐being and relational outcomes?

“…Furthermore, the quality of interpersonal relationships was found to decrease as time spent online gaming increased (Lo et al, 2005). However, it was unclear what interpersonal relationships were measured in this study as Garthoeffner, Henry, and Robinson (1993) Interpersonal Relationship Scale measures interpersonal variables with a partner only. Lo et al's study did not state if they modified the scale to use other relationship types such as parents, peers, or teachers, all of whom are independently important in an adolescent's life.…”