A factor analysis of the dyadic adjustment scale with distressed and nondistressed couples

This study was an attempt to replicate the original factor analysis done by Spanir when he created the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Unlike previous studies, this one used a sample of distressed and nondistressed couples. The same factor analysis procedures Spanier used in developing the DAS were used with these samples. The Dyadic Satisfaction Subscale was not validated with any of the samples from this study. This subscale should not be used and interpreted on its own. The factor analysis for the nondistressed sample was much less supportive of the four subscales of the DAS than the factor analysis for the distressed sample. Marriage and family therapists, family life educators, and researchers should be cautious when using the DAS with nondistressed samples as one-third of the items did not factor well for this sample. Past research with nondistressed samples should be reevaluated.