Does your relationship have what it takes to stand the test of time? A new study published in the journal Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is putting unconditional love to the ultimate test this Valentine’s Day with the reveal of a brand-new "relationship satisfaction" quiz called the Valentine Scale. During the research stage, the scale earned high marks in reliability and validity among 1,300 participants. And now, it’s available for public consumption.
RELATED: 10 Body Language Signs That Mean Someone Is Attracted to You.
As explained in the study, the Valentine Scale aims to "address specific limitations observed in existing measures of relationship satisfaction" through thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Built around the cognitive-behavioral theory (CBT), the love quiz reflects "key domains of relationship functioning," such as "problem-solving abilities, emotional intimacy, and conflict resolution," which experts consider "critical for both the maintenance and enhancement of relationship satisfaction."
While comparative in analysis to the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), Quality of Dyadic Relationships (QDR) test, and Maudsley Marital Questionnaire (MMQ), the Valentine Scale is much more condensed at just seven questions. (For reference, the MMQ consists of 20 questions.) Plus, it’s free to use for anyone.
"This scale makes it possible to quickly and efficiently get an idea of how a relationship is doing without having to go through long and complicated interviews or questionnaires. It can even be used during couples counseling to monitor progress over time," said Per Carlbring, study author and Stockholm University psychology professor, in a press release.
The Valentine Scale has seven multiple-choice questions on topics like conflict resolution and emotional intimacy. Answers are given on a scale (ranging from "very satisfied" to "very unsatisfied" or "always" to "never"), with the possibility of earning up to four points per question. The highest score achievable is 21.
Curious? Here are the seven questions you can expect to unpack in the Valentine Scale.
- I can collaborate well and solve practical problems with my partner.
- I feel that I can confide in my partner.
- When my partner and I disagree or have a conflict, I quickly get over it.
- How often in the recent past have you thought that your relationship is not good?
- How often have you recently considered separating from your partner?
- How emotionally close do you feel to your partner?
- Overall, how satisfied are you with your relationship?
RELATED: The Top 5 Signs You Found the Love of Your Life, According to Relationship Experts.
Once complete, the test will analyze your answers and generate exercises to help "explore, strengthen, and develop what exists between you." It can also spark a deeper conversation between you and your partner about the health of your relationship as it pertains to you as a unit and as an individual.
"At the same time, it can predict improvements in quality of life and contribute to a reduction in mental health problems such as anxiety and depression by quickly providing a clear picture of how the relationship is doing and thus enabling early intervention," added Carlbring.
However, if you find the test results have the opposite effect, "it may be a good idea to talk about what lies behind the answers," Carlbring suggested.
"Relationships are dynamic and affected by many factors," he continued, naming off stress and poor communication as examples. "By reflecting together, you can find ways forward, whether it’s strengthening the relationship or making other decisions."
Interested in taking the Valentine Scale for yourself? You can access the relationship satisfaction quiz here.
