Relationship Incentive and Threat Sensitivity Scales (RITSS)

Abstract

The Relationship Incentive and Threat Sensitivity Scales (RITSS) were developed to measure fundamental individual differences in sensitivity to rewards (incentives) and punishments (threats) specifically within the context of intimate relationships. This instrument operationalizes relationship-specific variations of established motivational systems, namely the Behavioral Approach System (BAS) and the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS).

The RITSS is composed of two primary subscales: Relationship Incentive Sensitivity (RIS) and Relationship Threat Sensitivity (RTS). Although the scale is relatively new, its foundational work, published in 2010, demonstrated its utility in predicting relationship satisfaction and affective experiences in adults. The scale aims to provide a focused assessment of how core motivational tendencies manifest uniquely within romantic partnerships.

Keywords

RITSS, incentive sensitivity, threat sensitivity, relationship assessment, romantic relationships, approach motivation, avoidance motivation, Behavioral Approach System (BAS), Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS), relationship satisfaction.

Authors

Laurenceau, J-P., Kleinman, B. M., Kaczynski, K. J., & Carver, C. S.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the RITSS is to provide a focused, context-specific measure of motivational sensitivities that drive behavior and emotional responses within romantic partnerships. Unlike global measures of incentive and threat sensitivity, the RITSS aims to capture how these fundamental psychological mechanisms operate uniquely in the high-stakes environment of an intimate relationship.

By assessing both the tendency to approach relational rewards (RIS) and the vigilance toward relational threats (RTS), the scale serves as a predictive tool for outcomes such as relationship satisfaction, affective experiences, and specific relationship behaviors. This allows researchers and clinicians to better understand the dynamic interplay between personality traits and relational outcomes.

Construct

The RITSS is grounded in models of motivational personality, particularly the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST), which posits two core psychological systems governing behavior: the Behavioral Approach System (BAS) and the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS). The RITSS adapts these global concepts to measure relationship-specific responses.

The scale measures two distinct, yet potentially correlated, constructs:

• Relationship Incentive Sensitivity (RIS): This construct aligns with the BAS and reflects an individual’s sensitivity to signals of potential reward or positive outcomes within the relationship. High RIS individuals are motivated to seek connection, enhance the relationship, and pursue positive relational experiences. It is measured by the odd-numbered items.
• Relationship Threat Sensitivity (RTS): This construct aligns with the BIS and reflects an individual’s sensitivity to potential punishment, criticism, or negative outcomes (threats) within the relationship. High RTS individuals are vigilant, worried about making mistakes, and highly sensitive to partner disapproval. It is measured by the even-numbered items.

Validity

The validating information for the RITSS was published in the foundational 2010 article by Laurenceau, Kleinman, Kaczynski, & Carver. The study established the scale’s construct validity by demonstrating that the Relationship Incentive Sensitivity (RIS) and Relationship Threat Sensitivity (RTS) subscales differentially predict relevant relational outcomes.

Specifically, evidence of criterion validity showed that RIS is positively associated with relationship satisfaction and positive affect, reflecting its link to approach motivation. Conversely, RTS was shown to predict negative affect and worry within the relationship, consistent with its theoretical foundation in avoidance and threat vigilance. Researchers should consult the primary source for detailed psychometric data.

Reliability

Specific internal consistency (e.g., Cronbach’s alpha) and test-retest reliability statistics are not explicitly provided in the source content, but the publication in a peer-reviewed journal like Psychological Assessment suggests that the authors reported adequate psychometric properties. It is inferred that the two distinct subscales (RIS and RTS) demonstrate acceptable levels of internal reliability, ensuring that the items within each subscale consistently measure their intended construct.

Factor Analysis

The clear scoring structure of the RITSS, which separates items into two distinct subscales (odd items for RIS and even items for RTS), implies a successful underlying two-factor structure. The initial validation study likely employed exploratory or confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to confirm that the items load cleanly onto two separate, but potentially correlated, factors corresponding to relationship incentive approach and relationship threat avoidance. This factor structure supports the scale’s ability to independently assess these two dimensions of relationship motivation.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report questionnaire.

Format: 11-item, four-point Likert scale response format.

Language Available: English (as presented in the source content).

Population Group: Individuals involved in current romantic relationships.

Age Group: Adult intimate relationships (based on the original publication title).

Population Details: Used to assess romantic partners, focusing on the quality and dynamic of the current relationship.

Test Methodology: Respondents indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with 11 statements regarding their current romantic relationship or partner. Scoring involves averaging the responses for the odd-numbered items (RIS) and the even-numbered items (RTS). All items are scored such that larger values indicate greater sensitivity, and there are no item reversals.

Keywords

Psychometrics, motivational systems, Behavioral Approach System (BAS), Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS), relational assessment, Carver, Laurenceau, 2010, Likert scale, psychological scales.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Information requires consultation of primary publication.

Affiliation Email addresses: Information requires consultation of primary publication.

Correspondence Address: Information requires consultation of primary publication.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The RITSS was first published and validated in 2010. As the scale is primarily associated with academic research, researchers seeking to use the scale should consult the original publication or contact the corresponding author, C. S. Carver, for formal permission regarding usage, fees, and licensing agreements.

Reference’s

Laurenceau, J-P., Kleinman, B. M., Kaczynski, K. J., & Carver, C. S. (2010). Assessment of relationship-specific incentive and threat sensitivities: Predicting satisfaction and affect in adult intimate relationships. Psychological Assessment, 22, 407-419. The abstract for this foundational paper is available here: abstract.

The primary source for the scale items and use is maintained by C. S. Carver’s research group: http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/ccarver/index.phtml

Items of the Relationship Incentive and Threat Sensitivity Scales (RITSS)

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

RITSS

For each of the following items, indicate how much you agree or disagree with what the item says regarding your current romantic relationship or romantic partner.

Choose only one response to each statement. Please be as accurate and honest as you can be. Respond to each item as if it were the only item. That is, don’t worry about being “consistent” in your responses. There are no right or wrong answers.

A = Very true for me
B = Somewhat true for me
C = Somewhat false for me
D = Very false for me

1. I go out of my way to be connected to my romantic partner.
2. Criticism or scolding from my romantic partner hurts me quite a bit.
3. When things are going well in my romantic relationship, it draws me to the relationship even more.
4. I feel worried or upset when I think or know my romantic partner is angry at me.
5. When I want something good to happen in my romantic relationship, I go all-out to make it happen.
6. If I think something unpleasant is going to happen in my romantic relationship I usually get pretty “worked up” and upset.
7. If I see a chance to have something good happen in my romantic relationship, I move on it right away.
8. I feel worried when I think I’ve acted poorly in my romantic relationship.
9. When I see an opportunity to enhance my romantic relationship, I get excited about doing it.
10. I worry about making mistakes in my romantic relationship.
11. When I see the possibility of something good happening in my relationship with my romantic partner, I try very hard to make it happen.

Note: There are no item reversals. All items are scored such that larger values indicate greater sensitivity. Relationship Incentive Sensitivity (RIS) averages the odd items. Relationship Threat Sensitivity (RTS) averages the even items.