Not All Responsiveness is Created Equal: Three New Scales Measuring Perceived Partner Responsiveness to Affiliation-, Sexuality-, and Exploration-Related Needs

Abstract

Perceived Partner Responsiveness (PPR) is an important attribute of intimate relationships. While measured globally in most studies, evidence suggests that responsiveness to different needs may have differential effects on relational and sexual outcomes. In this article, we argue for differentiating between PPR targeting affiliation-, sexuality-, and exploration-related needs. We developed new scales to measure PPR to each of these needs, and conducted two studies to test their reliability and validity. Our results offered initial support for the psychometric properties of the new scales and additional insights on the association between the different types of PPR and relationship and sexual satisfaction.

Keywords:

• Perceived partner responsiveness
• scale construction
• romantic relationships
• relationship satisfaction
• sexual satisfaction

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.