A Behaviorally Focused Measure for Relationships: The Couple Behavior Report (CBR)

This study reports the development and validation of the Couple Behavior Report (CBR), a 36-item scale to assess behaviors important to maintaining a couple's relationship. A principal components analysis was used to construct six six-item scales: (1) Salutary Recognition, acknowledging the partner; (2) Small Talk, engaging the partner in "everyday" conversations; (3) Ego-Building Comments, praising the partner; (4) Expanding Shared Memories, reminiscing about times shared together; (5) Exciting Activities, engaging in mutually interesting activities; and (6) Feedback, mutual honesty including encouragement and correction. The CBR has several advantages over currently available instruments because (a) it is brief, (b) predicts relationship satisfaction measures, (c) focuses on positive couple behaviors, (d) and may allow the therapist to develop behavioral prescriptions to improve the relationship.