The Family Journal, Ahead of Print.
Stress is inherent to romantic relationships. Current relationship scales measure individual stress, relationship conflict, and relationship happiness. However, no known empirically supported scale exists that comprehensively measures romantic relationship stress. We reviewed the extant theory, empirical findings, and measures within the broad category of relationship stress. Using this information, we created the Romantic Relationship Stress Scale (RRSS)—a three-part, 29-item measure. We administered the measure to married individuals (N = 296) in either a proximal or long-distance relationship, in the context of a larger study. An exploratory factor analysis was performed on RRSS responses, using principal axis factoring with an oblique rotation. A three-factor solution was derived, representing the factors of relational negativity, stressful relationship events, and relational positivity. These factors explained 67.7% of the variance in RRSS responses, and were correlated in the expected directions. The overall scale alpha was 0.93, and subscale alphas ranged from 0.65–0.91. The RRSS demonstrated convergent validity; scores were positively correlated to scores on a widely used measure of individual stress. The RRSS discriminated between those in proximal versus long-distance relationships. Overall, the RRSS appears to be psychometrically sound, and can be considered for use in both research and clinical settings.