Factor Structure of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale

Abstract. The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) is one of the most widely used instruments for measuring relationship quality. Considering the discrepancies across studies regarding the relationship of the underlying constructs of the DAS, the aim of the present study was to examine the factor structure of the scale by applying bifactor models using confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) approaches. The sample consisted of 483 couples recruited in Hungary. The analysis revealed that the bifactor-ESEM yielded the best fit to the data (CFI = .90, RMSEA = .05, WRMR = .88). Further, strict invariance between the sexes was observed for this model. Omega hierarchical coefficients indicated outstanding reliability for the general factor (.86), acceptable estimates for the Dyadic Consensus (.60) and Cohesion (.57) subdomains, but poor reliability for the Dyadic Satisfaction (.22) and Affectional Expression (.36) factors; suggesting that the individual interpretation of these latter two subconstructs must be made with caution.