Psychometric properties and clinical applicability of Dyadic Adjustment Scale in a Spanish sample

The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). The answers of 456 Spaniards (228 couples, 45 of which were satisfied with their relationship) were factor analysed through a confirmatory factorial analysis. It was found that a tetra factorial model, similar to the one proposed by the author in his original study, fitted significantly better than a Hierarchic or monofactorial model. The internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) of the first order factors ranged between .60 and .84. Gender-separated analysis determined that the goodness of fit was equally good both in men and women and also between harmony and conflict sample. Cut-off scores for each dimension of the questionnaire were established. The results of this study are similar, as far as cut-off scores and internal consistency are concerned, to those of Spanier’s original study and adaptation studies of the questionnaire in other countries. Its use can be recommended with populations of ill adjusted couples, both in the initial assessment phase, and as a measure of their evolution, after therapeutic interventions, and to establish possible comparisons with couples in conflict from other countries.