Psychometric properties of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) in a community sample of couples.

BACKGROUND This study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). METHOD A sample of 1,180 participants, 590 adult heterosexual couples, from the Community of Madrid was examined via confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS The results indicate that the factor structure of this scale fits the hierarchical factor model proposed by the test authors. The internal consistency, estimated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient was satisfactory for the total scale (alpha = .80) and ranged from .13 to .88 for the subscales. Convergent validity was adequate in comparison to the Negotiation subscale (emotional and cognitive) from the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2). No significant differences were observed between genders. Finally, concordance or agreement between partners was high. The lowest agreement was found for the Affectional Expression subscale. CONCLUSIONS After examining the psychometric properties, the DAS was found to be a reliable and valid measurement of the sampled community of couples.