TRUST IN CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS SCALE

Abstract

The Trust in Close Relationships Scale (TCRS) is a concise, 17-item psychological instrument designed to comprehensively gauge an individual’s level of trust in a specific relationship partner within a close relationship context. Developed by Rempel, Holmes, and Zanna (1985), the scale utilizes a 7-point Likert-type scale ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree” for participant responses. The measure is structured around a three-factor model of trust, identifying distinct, yet related, dimensions: Predictability, Dependability, and Faith.

Keywords

Trust, Close Relationships, Predictability, Dependability, Faith, Interpersonal Relationships, Relationship Quality, Likert Scale, Social Psychology

Authors

J.K. Rempel, J.G. Holmes, M.P. Zanna

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Trust in Close Relationships Scale is to provide researchers and clinicians with a robust, multidimensional tool for assessing the degree of perceived trust an individual places in their close relational partner. The measure aims not only to provide a global score of trust but also to delineate the specific aspects of trust that contribute to the overall relational security, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of relationship dynamics and satisfaction.

By breaking trust down into three constituent subscales—Predictability, Dependability, and Faith—the scale allows for nuanced analysis of how different elements of a partner’s behavior (consistency, reliability, and commitment to goodwill) influence the perception of relational security. This granular approach is essential for identifying specific areas of strength or vulnerability within the relationship.

Construct

The scale measures Trust in Close Relationships, conceptualized as a three-component psychological construct based on the foundational work of Rempel, Holmes, and Zanna (1985). This model moves beyond simple behavioral consistency to capture the complexity of trust in intimate partnerships. The three dimensions are:

• Predictability: This component refers to the comfort derived from knowing the partner’s typical behaviors and responses. It reflects the consistency and stability of the partner, reducing uncertainty in the relationship.
• Dependability: This dimension assesses the belief that the partner is reliable, responsible, and can be counted on to fulfill obligations, especially in critical situations. It is associated with the partner’s ability to keep promises and act reliably.
• Faith: This highest level of trust involves a confident belief in the partner’s continuing goodwill, irrespective of situational factors or future uncertainty. It is an emotional conviction that the partner cares about one’s welfare and will act benevolently, even when the situation is novel or ambiguous.

Validity

The original research establishing the Trust in Close Relationships Scale provided evidence of its construct validity. The three hypothesized factors (Predictability, Dependability, and Faith) were empirically supported, demonstrating that the scale successfully measures these distinct theoretical components of trust. Furthermore, validity was established through correlations with related constructs. High scores on the TCRS are strongly associated with higher levels of marital satisfaction and commitment, confirming its relevance to overall relationship health, as discussed in related research on marital attributions (e.g., Bradbury & Fincham, 1990).

The differentiation of the three subscales provides enhanced predictive validity compared to monolithic measures of trust, allowing researchers to pinpoint which specific dimension of trust (e.g., lack of Predictability vs. lack of Faith) is most influential in determining relationship outcomes, such as conflict avoidance or willingness to self-disclose.

Reliability

The scale demonstrates strong internal consistency, confirming its reliability across the 17 items. Original psychometric analyses reported high Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the overall scale and for the individual subscales, indicating that the items within each factor measure a common underlying construct. The stability of the measure over time, or test-retest reliability, was also established in initial studies, suggesting that the TCRS provides consistent assessments of trust levels in close relationships unless significant relational events occur.

Factor Analysis

Initial analysis utilized Factor Analysis to confirm the theoretical structure of the scale. The results consistently supported a three-factor model, corresponding precisely to the conceptualization of Predictability, Dependability, and Faith. The items designed to measure each subscale loaded significantly onto their respective factors, providing robust empirical grounding for the scoring method. Items marked ‘P’ clustered together, reflecting consistency; ‘D’ items clustered, reflecting reliability; and ‘F’ items clustered, reflecting emotional security and future goodwill.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report questionnaire, psychological scale

Format: 17 items, responded to on a 7-point Likert-type scale.

Language Available: English (Original)

Population Group: Adults in Close Relationships (e.g., marital, dating, cohabiting partners).

Age Group: Adult (Typically 18+)

Population Details: Designed for use with individuals involved in intimate, committed relationships where the assessment of mutual trust and security is relevant.

Test Methodology: Participants are asked to indicate the extent to which they agree or disagree with statements regarding their partner, using a bipolar 7-point scale (e.g., -3 Strongly Disagree to +3 Strongly Agree, or 1 Strongly Disagree to 7 Strongly Agree).

Keywords

Relational Trust, Psychometrics, Social Interaction, Marital Quality, Relationship Assessment, Rempel Holmes Zanna Scale, Attachment, Intimacy, Predictability

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not specified in source material; typically available via institutional records for current researchers.

Affiliation Email addresses: Not specified in source material.

Correspondence Address: Correspondence is typically directed to the lead author, J.K. Rempel, at the affiliated institution at the time of publication (1985).

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The scale was developed and published in 1985. As a standard academic measure published in a major journal, the scale is typically available for non-commercial research and academic use without a fee, provided proper citation is given to the original reference (Rempel et al., 1985). For commercial use, clinical practice, or integration into proprietary systems, permission from the authors or copyright holder (likely the American Psychological Association) is required.

Reference’s

• Rempel, J.K., Holmes, J.G. & Zanna, M.P. (1985). Trust in close relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 49, 95-112.
• Bradbury, T. N. & Fincham, F. D. (1990). Attributions in marriage: Review and critique. Psychological Bulletin, 107, 3-33.
• Ryan, R. M. (1995). Psychological needs and the facilitation of integrative processes. Journal of Personality, 63, 397-427.
• Yamagishi, T. (1986). The provisioning of a sanctioning system as a public good. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51, 110-116.

Items of the TRUST IN CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS SCALE

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

Using the 7 point scale shown below, indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements as they relate to someone with whom you have a close interpersonal relationship. Place your rating in the box to the right of the statement.

Strongly                                    Neutral                                     Strongly

Disagree                                                                                      Agree

-3             -2           -1              0               1                 2                3

1. My partner has proven to be trustworthy and I am willing to let D him/her engage in activities which other partners find too threatening.
2. Even when I don’t know how my partner will react, I feel F comfortable telling him/her anything about myself, even those things of which I am ashamed.
3. Though times may change and the future is uncertain, I know my F partner will always be ready and willing to offer me strength and support.
4. I am never certain that my partner won’t do something that I P dislike or will embarrass me.
5. My partner is very I never know how he/she is going P to act from one day to the next.
6. I feel very uncomfortable when my partner has to make decisions P which will affect me personally.
7. I have found that my partner is unusually dependable, especially D when it comes to things which are important to me.
8. My partner behaves in a very consistent P
9. Whenever we have to make an important decision in a situation we F have never encountered before, I know my partner will be concerned about my welfare.
10. Even if I have no reason to expect my partner to share things with F me, I still feel certain that he/she
11. I can rely on my partner to react in a positive way when I expose F my weaknesses to him/her.
12. When I share my problems with my partner, I know he/she will F respond in a loving way even before I say anything.
13. I am certain that my partner would not cheat on me, even if the D opportunity arose and there was no chance that he/she would get caught.
14. I sometimes avoid my partner because he/she is unpredictable and I P fear saying or doing something which might create conflict.
15. I can rely on my partner to keep the promises he/she makes to D
16. When I am with my partner, I feel secure in facing unknown new F
17. Even when my partner makes excuses which sound rather unlikely, D I am confident that he/she is telling the truth.