Assessing decision-making in romantic relationships: first Italian validation of the Relationship Deciding Scale.

Recent changes in the development of romantic relationships suggest the need for a thorough assessment of factors underlying decision-making processes about important steps in the couple’s life, to prevent constraints that could increase relational distress. This research examines the dimensionality and convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity of the first validation of the Relationship Deciding Scale (RDS) in the European context. Study 1 (N = 426) tests the original RDS three-factor structure with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and provides reliability data for the factors. In Study 2 (N = 337), the replicated RDS factors (Relationship Confidence, Knowledge of Warning Signs, and Deciding) demonstrate acceptable construct validity. Confidence and Deciding further predict relationship satisfaction and conflict management. The results provide evidence for the use of the RDS scale in educational and clinical settings for the assessment of decision-making strategies and relational skills that can be helpful in preventing the risk of negative relational experiences.

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