The Relationship Rating Form (RRF)

Abstract

The Relationship Rating Form (RRF) is a comprehensive, 68-item psychological scale designed to assess the quality and specific characteristics of close interpersonal bonds. Developed by Keith E. Davis, the RRF is unique in its ability to measure the dynamics present in both deep non-romantic friendships and intimate romantic relationships. It provides a multi-faceted evaluation across seven primary domains, allowing researchers and clinicians to understand the structural components contributing to relationship success, maintenance, and conflict.

The instrument utilizes a detailed Likert-type response format (typically 9 points) to capture subtle differences in perception regarding crucial relational elements such as trust, intimacy, care, and passion. Its use facilitates empirical study in social psychology regarding the developmental trajectory and stability of various dyadic relationships.

Keywords

Relationship Rating Form, RRF, Keith E. Davis, friendship characteristics, romantic relationships, intimacy, trust, commitment, relationship satisfaction, psychometrics.

Authors

Keith E. Davis.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the RRF is to provide a comprehensive and detailed measurement of the subjective experience and observed characteristics within close interpersonal relationships. It was specifically calibrated to capture the nuances differentiating between various types of bonds, such as intense romantic relationships and meaningful friendships, moving beyond simple global satisfaction measures.

The scale facilitates empirical research into the dynamics of relationship maintenance, conflict resolution, and the psychological components (like passion and care) that contribute to long-term stability and success. By breaking down the relationship experience into distinct subscales, the RRF enables targeted analysis of specific relational strengths and weaknesses.

Construct

The RRF is a multi-dimensional psychological scale measuring the perceived quality and structure of a relationship based on several underlying theoretical constructs identified by Davis’s research. These constructs move beyond simple satisfaction metrics to explore deeper behavioral and emotional components necessary for profound connection and longevity.

The instrument is structured around seven key theoretical domains—Acceptance, Trust, Intimacy, Passion, Care, Global Satisfaction, and Conflict/Ambivalence—each composed of multiple subscales. This granular approach allows researchers to precisely quantify specific aspects of interpersonal dynamics, offering a holistic view of the relationship’s functioning. Other constructs such as Commitment, Maintenance, Coercion, and Equality are also measured as separate components.

Validity

As the RRF has been widely utilized in academic social and relationship research since its introduction, its psychometric properties, including construct and concurrent validity, have generally been established through numerous subsequent studies. The scale’s strength lies in its comprehensive coverage of relational components, ensuring high content validity across the spectrum of close relationships.

The clear theoretical distinction between the numerous subscales (e.g., separating Fascination under Passion from Confiding under Intimacy) suggests strong theoretical grounding and high internal validity regarding the conceptual separation of relationship components. Researchers typically correlate RRF scores with other established measures of attachment style, relationship quality, and psychological well-being to confirm its external validity across diverse populations.

Reliability

While specific Cronbach’s Alpha values are not detailed in the provided excerpt, the RRF is designed for high internal consistency across its primary subscales. The standardized scoring procedure, utilizing a 9-point or 7-point Likert scale and carefully managing reversed items, is intended to maximize the reliability of the resulting factor scores.

High inter-item correlation within the defined subscales (such as Giving the Utmost or Exclusiveness) is expected, ensuring that each subscale reliably measures a distinct feature of the relationship construct. The preference for a higher-point scale (9 points) over a standard 5-point scale further enhances the scale’s ability to capture subtle variations in respondent attitudes, thereby improving measurement reliability.

Factor Analysis

The comprehensive structure of the RRF implies that it is the result of rigorous factor analysis, which grouped the 68 items into distinct, theoretically meaningful clusters. The scale identifies seven major domains, several of which are further subdivided into specific facets of relational experience.

The primary factor structure includes dimensions related to closeness (Intimacy, Passion), positive regard (Acceptance, Respect, Trust, Care), evaluative outcomes (Global Satisfaction), and negative aspects (Conflict/Ambivalence). This multi-factor model reflects a sophisticated understanding of relationship quality, suggesting that a successful relationship is not merely the absence of conflict but the integration of distinct positive characteristics.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report Psychological Scale.

Format: 68 items rated on a Likert-type scale (9-point preferred, 7-point acceptable).

Language Available: English (Original version).

Population Group: Individuals in close dyadic relationships (romantic partners or friends).

Age Group: Adults (Implied by the complexity of the relationship constructs measured).

Population Details: Applicable to both romantic relationships and non-romantic friendships, allowing for comparative analysis across bond types.

Test Methodology: Responses are scored on a 9-point scale (1=Not at all to 9=Completely or extremely) or an abbreviated 7-point scale. Items marked (R) are reverse-scored (subtracted from 10 for the 9-point scale or 8 for the 7-point scale). Subscale scores are summed and then typically averaged (divided by the number of items) to normalize the final scores to the original scale range.

Keywords

Interpersonal relationships, friendship quality, acceptance, trust, passion, care, conflict, ambivalence, relationship maintenance, commitment.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not provided in source content.

Affiliation Email addresses: [email protected]

Correspondence Address: Keith E. Davis, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The Relationship Rating Form (RRF) was developed and refined by Keith E. Davis, with the version detailed here dating to 1986 (updated/published in 1996). The instrument is widely used in non-commercial academic research.

The original PDF document detailing the instrument and its scoring methodology can be downloaded here: http://people.cas.sc.edu/daviske/LoveFriendsMeasure_rrf.pdf

Reference’s

Davis, K. E. (1996). The Relationship Rating Form (RRF): A Measure of the characteristics of Romantic Relationships and Friendships (1986 version). University of South Carolina. Available online: http://people.cas.sc.edu/daviske/LoveFriendsMeasure_rrf.pdf

Items of the The Relationship Rating Form (RRF)

Acceptance/Tolerance

1. Do you accept this person as s/he is?
2. Are you willing to ignore this person’s small sins because of the way you feel about her/him?
3. Is it easy for you to forgive this person?
4. Does this person disappoint you? (R)

Respect

5. Do you respect this person?
6. Does this person make bad judgments on important matters? (R)
7. Does this person bring out the best in you?
8. Is this person a good sounding board for your ideas and plans?

Trust

9. Do you trust this person?
10. Can you count on this person in times of need?
11. Does this person ever forget your welfare? (R)
12. Does this person use things against you that s/he shouldn’t? (R)

Intimacy

Confiding

13. Do you and this person openly discuss personal matters?
14. Do you confide in this person?
15. Do you feel that there are things about you that this person just would not understand?(R)
16. Do you feel some things about yourself are none of this person’s business?(R)

Understanding

17. Do you know what kind of person s/he is?
18. Is this person’s behavior surprising or puzzling to you?(R)
19. Do you know this person’s faults and shortcomings?
20. Do you know about this person’s past?

Passion

Fascination

21. Does this person dominate your thoughts?
22. Does it give you pleasure just to watch or look at this person?
23. Do you think about this person even when you are not with him/her?

Exclusiveness

24. Are there things that you do only with this person?
25. Do you have feelings about this person that you couldn’t have about others?
26. Would you feel betrayed or hurt if this person had the same relationship with someone else that s/he now has with you?
27. Do you and this person have your own way of doing things?

Sexual Intimacy

28. Are you sexually intimate with this person?
29. Do you find this personal sexually attractive?
30. Do you enjoy being touched by this person and touching him/her?

Care

Giving the utmost

31. Can you count of this person to lend you a substantial sum of money?
32. Can you count on this person to risk personal safety to help you if your were in danger?
33. Can you count of this person to give the utmost on your behalf?
34. Are you prepared to make a significant sacrifice on this person’s behalf?

Championing

35. Can you count on this person to let you know how others feel about you?
36. Can you count on this person to support you in an argument or dispute with others?
37. Can you count on this person to champion your interests where there is a conflict between your interests and those of others?

Assistance

38. Can you count on this person to come to your aid when you need help?
39. Can this person count on you for help when s/he is in need?
40. Can you count on this person to tell you what s/he really thinks about issues regardless of whether he or she agrees with you?
41. Do you tell this person exactly what you think about important issues regardless of whether he or she agrees with you?

Global Satisfaction

Success

42. Are you happy in your relationship with this person?
43. Has your relationship with this person satisfied your needs?
44. *44. Has your relationship with this person been a success?

Enjoyment

45. Do you enjoy doing things with this person more than with others?
46. Do you enjoy doing things with this person that you otherwise would not enjoy?
47. Do you enjoy this person’s company?

Reciprocity

48. Does your partner share the same feeling for you that you have for him/her?
49. Does this person really care about you as a person?
50. Do you feel that your partner cares for you as much as you care for him/her?

Esteem

51. Does your partner make you feel worthwhile and special?
52. Does your partner make you feel proud of yourself?

Conflict/Ambivalence

Conflict

53. Do you fight and argue with this person?
54. Does this person treat you in unfair ways?
55. Is there tension in your relationship with this person?

Ambivalence

56. Are you confused or unsure of your feelings toward this person?
57. Do you feel that this person demands too much of your time?
58. Do you feel trapped in this relationship?

Scales not included in global scales

Maintenance

59. Do you talk with this person about your relationship?
60. Do you and this person try to work out difficulties that occur between you?
61. Are you trying to change things that you do to make the relationship better between the two of you?

Commitment

62. Are you committed to staying in your relationship?
63. Does this person measure up to your ideals for a life partner?
64. *64. How likely is it that your relationship will be permanent?
65. *65. How committed is your partner to this relationship?

Coercion

66. Has your partner ever forced you to do something that you did not want to do?
67. Have you ever forced your partner to do something that s/he did not want to do?

Equality

68. Is your relationship one of equals?