Relationship Quality and its Measurement Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Review of the Literature

Although there is growing interest in the quality of adolescents and young adults’ (A&YA) romantic relationships, the way relationship quality is defined, conceptualized, and measured is not consistent throughout the research literature, making it difficult to draw general conclusions on the correlates and implications of A&YA’s relationship quality. The purpose of this project is to present an overview of the measurement trends and findings regarding relationship quality among A&YA. MAST Center partners at the National Center for Family & Marriage Research (NCFMR) at Bowling Green State University conducted a comprehensive review of journal articles, book chapters, and reports published over the past decade. Preliminary findings suggest a wide range of measures but a consistent emphasis on instability and conflict. The authors conclude with an overview of the implications with a focus towards comprehensive measurement construction and policy directives addressing instability among A&YA.

This poster was presented at the 2020 National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) Annual Conference.

View as PDF

Our Partners