Relationship Assessment Scale Essay

Research Measures

Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS)

Hendrick (1988) developed the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) to measure relationship satisfaction of individuals in romantic relationships. The RAS is a 7-item scale designed to measure general relationship satisfaction. Respondents answer each item using a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (low satisfaction) to 5 (high satisfaction) (Hendrick, 1988). Items 4 and 7 are reverse-scored. Scoring is kept continuous. The higher the score, the more satisfied the respondent is with his/her relationship (Hendrick, 1988). Internalized Homophobia (IHP)

The Internalized Homophobia Scale is a proven reliable and valid 9-item measure of sexual stigma developed by Meyer (1995) which was adapted for self-administration from interview items developed by Martin and Dean (1988). This scale has proved internal consistency and has been well researched. Results from a Sign, Dew, Hays & Gailis (2006) study found that internalized was negatively correlated to social ease and self- disclosure. Internalized Homophobia in same-gender relationship. may manifest differently because of the intersectionality that bisexual women of color experience (race, gender and sexuality).

Collective

In particular these four types are: (a) membership esteem: how good or worthy a member of the group one is; (b) private collective self-esteem: how good one’s social groups are; (c) public collective self-esteem: how one believes others evaluate one’s social groups, and (d) importance to identity: how important one’s group is to one’s self concept. The items are answered on a 7-point Likert Scale. Perceptions of community is an important factor in identify development. Because bisexual women belong to both straight and gay communities, it is necessary to measure inclusion and community membership