Development and validation of a short version of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale in Spanish samples

Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) is the main selected measure to assess quality of relationship in couples. Despite that there are several Spanish translations of this scale, there is no study that guarantees its psychometric properties. Therefore, the aims of this instrumental study are to analyze some psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the DAS and to develop an abridged version. A total sample of 710 individuals with steady couple filled in the DAS and the Couple Assertion Questionnaire. Results showed that there are some problems with the factorial structure and therefore, a short version was made. This short version was developed by means of a discriminant analysis and was composed by 14 items but finally, this version was shortened into 13 items. Analyses about this final version showed a suitable validity and reliability. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated an internal structure composed by three factors of first order that were consistent with the original approach of the author. Finally, a cut-off point was developed for the short version which showed a similar classification power to the original version. Implications for the use of this scale in clinical settings are discussed as well as guidelines for future studies.