The self-test is being launched in conjunction with Valentine's Day and has been given the name Valentinskalan. It consists of seven questions that are all linked to different aspects of a relationship, such as trust, emotional closeness, and conflict management.
Per Carlbring is a researcher at the Department of Psychology at Stockholm University and has been involved in developing the Valentinskalan. He thinks that a test that is free and doesn't take too long to complete is needed.
The measurement instruments that exist for pair relationships can be very long, cumbersome, and expensive. They can also feel a bit outdated when it comes to norms around how a partner should be, which is something we've tried to get away from, he says.
"Contribute to reflection"
Once the questions have been answered, you end up on a scale between 0 and 21. The higher the score, the more harmonious the relationship.
A low score doesn't mean the end of a relationship. The result should rather contribute to reflection and be a starting point for how the relationship can be improved, says Per Carlbring.
Depending on which score you land on, you get different concrete tips on how the relationship can develop. Something that, according to Per Carlbring, is important since pair relationships play a significant role for mental health.
For example, anxiety levels tend to decrease if you're satisfied with your relationship.
Reliability
To test the scale's reliability, two comprehensive studies have been conducted with over 1,300 participants who have answered the seven questions. The result shows high reliability and strong connections to established measures of relationships.
Seven questions may seem like a little to capture something as big as a relationship. But the questions capture important aspects and can provide good indications of how the relationship is doing right now, says Per Carlbring.
The test is free and open to everyone to take.
