4 - (SYM 41) Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-4)

Intimate relationship satisfaction is closely tied to relationship outcomes (Fincham et al., 2018), as well as individual physical and mental health (South & Krueger, 2013; Whitton & Whisman, 2010). While these findings are consistent across cultures (McShall & Johnson, 2015a,b), much research focusing on relationship satisfaction focuses on White couples (Fincham & Beach, 2010), with less focus on couples from other cultures, races, or ethnicities. 

Latinx couples are particularly underrepresented in relationship research (Cruz et al., 2014), despite the cultural importance of family relationships within this population (Hooker et al., 2023). In order to promote inclusion of Latinx individuals and couples in relationship research and clinical care, valid measures of relationship satisfaction must be available in Spanish. However, available Spanish-language measures of relationship satisfaction are either invalid for this population (Dyadic Adjustment scale; Spanier et al., 2006) or are costly to administer and score (Marital Satisfaction Index – Revised; Snyder et al., 2016). This limits valid assessment of Spanish speakers’ relationship satisfaction in both clinical and research settings. 

To address this, we developed a Spanish translation of the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-4; Funk & Rogge, 2007). We utilized a mixed method, iterative process to develop a Spanish translation of the CSI-4 (Harkness et al., 2003). We evaluated the psychometric properties of our Spanish version of the CSI-4 utilizing a sample of both English- and Spanish-speaking participants (N = 603). We assessed the measure’s reliability, convergent and divergent validity, structural validity, invariance across Spanish and English languages, and invariance across Mexican and Spanish cultures and dialects. We found that our Spanish translation of the CSI-4 demonstrated excellent reliability, convergent and divergent validity, structural validity, and invariance both across languages and cultural and dialect groups.

Our findings support the use of the Spanish version of the CSI-4 across language and regional groups. This can help promote the inclusion of Spanish-speakers in relationship research as well as in conjoint therapy. As Spanish-speakers face challenges in equitable access to research participation and clinical care resulting from language barriers, the development of a Spanish translation of the CSI-4 is timely and greatly needed.