Development and Preliminary Validation of the Lovebird Scale

TL;DR

This paper introduces and validates a new scale to measure flourishing lovebird relationships and their positive effects on individuals.

Contribution

The Lovebird Scale is a novel tool to assess relationship flourishing and its link to individual well-being.

Findings

A three-factor model nested within a higher-order lovebird factor was confirmed.

The Lovebird Scale showed strong construct validity and associations with positive affect.

The scale contributes to understanding and promoting flourishing romantic relationships.

Abstract

The term “lovebirds” is often used to describe the loving behaviors and interactions between two romantic partners, but what specific processes distinguish these flourishing lovebird relationships from other committed but “numbed” relationships? The present study aimed to address this knowledge gap through the development and preliminary validation of the Lovebird Scale. The Lovebird Scale describes the thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and habits that constitute and maintain relationship flourishing, which in turn could promote aspects of individual flourishing such as positive affect. We conducted three studies using data collected from 996 English-speaking U.S. adults (64.2% Female, M = 39.2 years old) who reported being in a romantic relationship for at least six months (M = 11.2 years). In Study 1, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis to determine the underlying factor structure. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analyses revealed a three-factor model nested within a higher-order factor representing lovebird relationships. In Study 3, we cross-validated the higher-order structure, examined the construct validity of the scale, and explored associations between the Lovebird Scale and affective state. Finally, we discuss how the Lovebird Scale contributes to the growing field of positive relationship science as well as conceptual and clinical implications of the scale.

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