Assessment Instruments

Dyadic Adjustment Scales (DAS) and its structure

To complement the clinical assessment, the use of standardized instruments that measure the quality of the relationship is highly recommended.

These self-report questionnaires, such as the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), allow objective data to be obtained on the perception of each partner.

These are easily administered tools that help to quantify the degree of satisfaction and consensus in the couple.

The DAS, for example, explores the degree of agreement or disagreement in critical areas of cohabitation.

Members are asked about agreement on the management of family finances, leisure decisions, religious issues, life philosophy, and relationships with friends.

These responses quickly reveal areas of friction that may not arise spontaneously in the initial conversation.

Interpretation of areas of conflict and frequency

Beyond agreements, these instruments assess the frequency of specific interactions.

They probe how often the couple argues, whether they trust each other, and even the frequency of affectionate gestures such as kissing.

The scales usually range from "always" to "never", allowing to detect significant discrepancies in the perception of everyday reality between the two partners.

Joint positive behaviors are also explored, such as having a stimulating exchange of ideas, laughing together or working on common projects.

The absence of these positive events is as diagnostic as the presence of conflict.

In addition, specific recent triggers are identified, such as being too tired for sex or not showing affection, providing an x-ray of the current state of intimacy.

Assessment of commitment and perceived happiness

Finally, these instruments often include global measures of well-being. Individuals are asked to rate their degree of happiness in the relationship on a visual or numerical scale, comparing it to what they consider a "normal" or ideal relationship.

This provides a clear picture of cumulative dissatisfaction. A crucial component is the assessment of the future of the relationship.

Questions ranging from "I desperately want my relationship to succeed" to "My relationship can never succeed" help the therapist gauge the level of remaining commitment and hope.

This information is vital in deciding whether therapy should focus on active repair or whether prior discernment work on the viability of the bond is required.

Summary

Standardized self-report instruments are recommended to complement the initial clinical assessment. These tools quantify the degree of satisfaction, consensus, and areas of couple friction.

Scales such as the DAS assess the frequency of specific interactions, discussions and affective gestures. The absence of positive events is as diagnostic as the presence of open conflict.

Finally, the level of commitment and hope for the future of the relationship is measured. This information determines whether the focus will be on active repair or clinical discernment.