Prepare~Enrich Couple Strengths & Growth areas

Communication measures each individual’s beliefs, feelings and attitudes about communication in his/her relationship. Items focus on the level of comfort felt by each partner in being able to share important emotions and opinions with one another, perceptions of their partner’s listening and speaking skills and perceptions concerning their own abilities to communicate with their partner. 

Conflict Resolution evaluates an individual’s attitudes, feelings and beliefs about the existence and resolution of conflicts in the relationship. Items pertain to the openness of partners in recognizing and resolving issues, the strategies and processes used to end arguments and the level of satisfaction with the manner in which problems are resolved. 

Partner Style and Habits assesses each individual’s perception and satisfaction with the personal habits and behavioural traits of their partner. Items focus on issues such as: temper, moodiness, and stubbornness. In addition, this scale considers a spouse’s general outlook, dependability and tendency to be controlling. 

Financial Management focuses on attitudes and concerns about the way economic issues are managed within the couple’s relationship. Items assess the tendencies of individuals to be spenders or savers, awareness and concern with issues of credit and debts, the care with which financial decisions on major purchases are made, agreement regarding financial matters, money management, and satisfaction with their economic status. There are different scale versions for dating, engaged, married, and older couples.  

Leisure Activities evaluates each individual’s preferences for using free time. Items focus on social versus personal activities, active versus passive interests, shared versus individual preferences and expectations as to whether leisure time should be spent together or balanced between separate and joint activities. 

Sexual Expectations/Relationship assess an individual’s feelings and concerns about affection and the sexual relationship with his/her partner. Items reflect satisfaction with expressions of affection, level of comfort in discussing sexual issues, attitudes toward sexual behavior, birth control/family planning decisions and feelings about sexual fidelity.  

Family & Friends assesses feelings and concerns about relationships with relatives, in-laws and friends. Items focus on the attitudes of family and friends toward the marriage, expectations regarding the amount of time spent with family and friends, comfort felt in the presence of the partner’s family and friends and perceptions of the situation as characterized by conflict or satisfaction. 

Relationship Roles & Responsibilities evaluates an individual’s beliefs, attitudes and feelings about marital and family roles. This scale is based on numerous studies that demonstrate equalitarian roles are positively related to successful marriage in our culture. This category also measures satisfaction with how household chores and decision making are shared in the relationship, if applicable.

Children & Parenting measures an individual’s attitudes and feelings about having and raising children. Items reflect a couple’s awareness of the impact of children on their relationship, satisfaction with how parental roles and responsibilities are defined, compatibility of philosophies toward discipline of children, shared goals and values desired for the children and agreement on the number of children preferred. There are distinct scale versions for couples who don’t currently have children but plan to have them and for couples who already have children together.

Spiritual Beliefs assesses attitudes, feelings and concerns about the meaning of religious beliefs and practices within the context of the relationship. Items focus on the meaning and importance of religion, involvements in church/synagogue activities and the expected role religious beliefs will have in the marriage. The Customized Version offers both non-sectarian and group specific (e.g., Protestant, Catholic, Jewish etc.) versions.