How to Use Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) to Improve Your Marriage

Introduction to the MSI-R

The Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) is a self-report questionnaire that is used to assess marital satisfaction. It is a widely used tool in research and clinical practice, and it has been translated into over 25 languages.

The MSI-R is a 150-item questionnaire that measures four dimensions of marital satisfaction:

• Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS): This scale measures overall marital satisfaction.
• Marital Satisfaction Subscales
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Sexual Satisfaction
• Dyadic Consensus Scale (DCS): This scale measures the degree to which partners agree on important issues.
• Affective Communication Scale (ACS): This scale measures the degree to which partners express positive and negative emotions to each other.

The MSI-R is scored by summing the responses to each item. The total score can range from 0 to 150, with higher scores indicating greater marital satisfaction.

The MSI-R can be used with couples of all ages and relationship lengths. It is also appropriate for couples who are separated or divorced.

Benefits of Taking the MSI-R

There are many benefits to taking the MSI-R. It can help couples:

• Understand their current level of marital satisfaction.
• Identify areas where their relationship is strong and areas where it could be improved.
• Develop goals for improving their relationship.
• Track their progress over time.
• Make informed decisions about their relationship, such as whether to seek couples therapy.

The MSI-R is a valuable tool for couples who are interested in improving their relationship. It is a reliable and valid measure of marital satisfaction, and it can be used to help couples make positive changes in their relationship.

How the MSI-R is Used

The MSI-R can be used in a variety of settings, including:

• Couples therapy: The MSI-R can be used by couples therapists to assess the level of marital satisfaction and identify areas where the relationship could be improved.
• Research: The MSI-R is used in research studies to investigate the factors that contribute to marital satisfaction and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for improving marital satisfaction.
• Self-assessment: Couples can take the MSI-R on their own to gain insights into their relationship.

The MSI-R is typically administered by a trained professional, such as a couples therapist or a researcher. However, it can also be self-administered.

The MSI-R is typically completed in about 20 minutes. The responses are scored by a computer program.

Who Can Take the MSI-R?

The MSI-R can be taken by couples of all ages and relationship lengths. It is also appropriate for couples who are separated or divorced.

The MSI-R is not appropriate for couples who are currently experiencing domestic violence.

The Scales of the MSI-R

The Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) is a self-report questionnaire that measures four dimensions of marital satisfaction:

• Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS)
• Marital Satisfaction Subscales
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Sexual Satisfaction
• Dyadic Consensus Scale (DCS)
• Affective Communication Scale (ACS)

Each scale is made up of a number of items, and the responses to each item are scored on a Likert scale. The total score for each scale is then calculated, and these scores can be used to assess the couple’s level of marital satisfaction in that particular area.

Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS)

The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) is a 20-item scale that measures overall marital satisfaction. The DAS items ask couples to rate their agreement with statements about their relationship, such as “We have a happy marriage” and “We have a lot in common.”

The DAS has been shown to be a reliable and valid measure of marital satisfaction. It is commonly used in research studies and clinical practice.

Marital Satisfaction Subscales

The Marital Satisfaction Subscales are five 10-item scales that measure specific aspects of marital satisfaction:

• Communication: This subscale measures the quality of communication between partners.
• Conflict Resolution: This subscale measures the way that partners handle conflict.
• Sexual Satisfaction: This subscale measures the couple’s satisfaction with their sex life.
• Idealization: This subscale measures the degree to which partners idealize their relationship.
• Time Together: This subscale measures the amount of time that partners spend together.

The Marital Satisfaction Subscales can be used to identify specific areas where a couple’s relationship could be improved.

Dyadic Consensus Scale (DCS)

The Dyadic Consensus Scale (DCS) is a 15-item scale that measures the degree to which partners agree on important issues. The DCS items ask couples to rate their agreement with statements about their shared values and goals, such as “We agree on how to raise our children” and “We have similar financial goals.”

The DCS has been shown to be a reliable and valid measure of dyadic consensus. It can be used to identify areas where a couple may need to work on their communication and conflict resolution skills.

Affective Communication Scale (ACS)

The Affective Communication Scale (ACS) is a 15-item scale that measures the degree to which partners express positive and negative emotions to each other. The ACS items ask couples to rate their agreement with statements about how they express their emotions to each other, such as “I feel comfortable expressing my anger to my partner” and “I feel like my partner understands my feelings.”

The ACS has been shown to be a reliable and valid measure of affective communication. It can be used to identify areas where a couple may need to work on their communication skills.

The MSI-R is a comprehensive measure of marital satisfaction that can be used to assess couples’ relationships in a variety of settings. It is a valuable tool for couples who are interested in improving their relationship.

Scales of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R):

Scale	Number of Items	Description
Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS)	20	Measures overall marital satisfaction. Higher scores indicate greater marital satisfaction.
Marital Satisfaction Subscales	50	Measures specific aspects of marital satisfaction, such as communication, conflict resolution, and sexual satisfaction. Higher scores indicate greater satisfaction with that aspect of the relationship.
Communication	10	Measures the quality of communication between partners, such as how often they talk to each other, how well they listen to each other, and how they resolve disagreements.
Conflict Resolution	10	Measures the way that partners handle conflict, such as how they express their anger, how they compromise, and how they forgive each other.
Sexual Satisfaction	10	Measures the couple’s satisfaction with their sex life, such as how often they have sex, how enjoyable they find it, and how satisfied they are with their partner’s sexual performance.
Idealization	10	Measures the degree to which partners idealize their relationship, such as how much they think their partner is perfect and how much they believe that their relationship is perfect.
Time Together	10	Measures the amount of time that partners spend together, such as how often they go on dates, how often they do things together as a family, and how often they spend time with each other’s friends and family.
Dyadic Consensus Scale (DCS)	15	Measures the degree to which partners agree on important issues, such as finances, childrearing, and religion. Higher scores indicate greater agreement on important issues.
Affective Communication Scale (ACS)	15	Measures the degree to which partners express positive and negative emotions to each other, such as how often they express affection, how often they express anger, and how often they express sadness. Higher scores indicate greater expression of both positive and negative emotions.

Scoring and Interpretation of the MSI-R

The Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) is scored by summing the responses to each item. The total score can range from 0 to 150, with higher scores indicating greater marital satisfaction.

The MSI-R also has cutoff scores that can be used to interpret the results. The cutoff scores are:

• Very happy: 120 and above
• Happy: 100 to 119
• Satisfactory: 80 to 99
• Dissatisfied: 60 to 79
• Very dissatisfied: 0 to 59

It is important to note that these cutoff scores are just guidelines. The actual meaning of a score will vary depending on the individual couple and their circumstances.

The MSI-R can be interpreted in a number of ways. One way is to look at the total score. A high total score indicates that the couple is generally satisfied with their relationship, while a low total score indicates that the couple is generally dissatisfied with their relationship.

Another way to interpret the MSI-R is to look at the scores on the individual scales. For example, a low score on the Communication scale indicates that the couple has some problems with communication.

The MSI-R can also be used to identify specific areas where the couple could improve their relationship. For example, if the couple has a low score on the Conflict Resolution scale, they may need to learn better ways to deal with conflict.

The MSI-R is a valuable tool for couples who are interested in improving their relationship. It can be used to assess the couple’s current level of satisfaction, identify areas where the relationship could be improved, and track the couple’s progress over time.

How is the MSI-R Interpreted?

The MSI-R is interpreted by a trained professional, such as a couples therapist or a researcher. The professional will look at the couple’s total score, as well as the scores on the individual scales. They will also consider the couple’s individual circumstances and goals.

The professional will then provide the couple with feedback on their results. This feedback can be used to help the couple understand their relationship and to identify areas where they could improve.

The MSI-R can also be used to track the couple’s progress over time. If the couple takes the MSI-R again after a period of time, the professional can compare the results to see if the couple has made any improvements.

What are the Cutoff Scores for the MSI-R?

The MSI-R has cutoff scores that can be used to interpret the results. The cutoff scores are:

• Very happy: 120 and above
• Happy: 100 to 119
• Satisfactory: 80 to 99
• Dissatisfied: 60 to 79
• Very dissatisfied: 0 to 59

It is important to note that these cutoff scores are just guidelines. The actual meaning of a score will vary depending on the individual couple and their circumstances.

For example, a couple with a score of 100 may be considered “happy” if they have been together for many years and have a strong relationship. However, a couple with a score of 100 may be considered “dissatisfied” if they are newly married and are having problems adjusting to married life.

The MSI-R is a valuable tool for couples who are interested in improving their relationship. However, it is important to remember that the results of the MSI-R should be interpreted by a trained professional.

The Use of the MSI-R in Therapy

The Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) is a self-report questionnaire that is used to assess marital satisfaction. It can be used in a variety of settings, including couples therapy, research, and clinical practice.

In couples therapy, the MSI-R can be used to:

• Assess the couple’s current level of marital satisfaction.
• Identify areas where the relationship could be improved.
• Track the couple’s progress over time.
• Develop treatment goals.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

The MSI-R can also be used to help couples improve their communication and resolve conflict.

How Can the MSI-R Help Couples Improve Their Communication?

The MSI-R can help couples improve their communication in a number of ways. First, it can help couples identify the specific areas where their communication is lacking. For example, the MSI-R can identify if the couple has problems expressing their feelings, listening to each other, or resolving disagreements.

Second, the MSI-R can help couples learn how to communicate more effectively. For example, the MSI-R can teach couples how to express their feelings in a non-judgmental way, how to listen actively, and how to compromise.

Third, the MSI-R can help couples practice their communication skills. The MSI-R can provide couples with feedback on their communication skills, and it can also provide them with exercises to help them improve their skills.

How Can the MSI-R Help Couples Resolve Conflict?

The MSI-R can help couples resolve conflict in a number of ways. First, it can help couples identify the specific areas where they have conflict. For example, the MSI-R can identify if the couple has conflict over money, parenting, or in-laws.

Second, the MSI-R can help couples learn how to resolve conflict more effectively. For example, the MSI-R can teach couples how to communicate effectively about conflict, how to compromise, and how to forgive each other.

Third, the MSI-R can help couples practice their conflict resolution skills. The MSI-R can provide couples with feedback on their conflict resolution skills, and it can also provide them with exercises to help them improve their skills.

The MSI-R is a valuable tool for couples who are interested in improving their communication and resolving conflict. It can be used to assess the couple’s current level of satisfaction, identify areas where the relationship could be improved, and track the couple’s progress over time. The MSI-R can also be used to help couples learn how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflict in a healthy way.

In addition to the MSI-R, there are many other tools that can be used to help couples improve their relationship. These tools include:

• Couples counseling: Couples counseling is a type of therapy that is specifically designed to help couples improve their relationships.
• Communication skills training: Communication skills training teaches couples how to communicate more effectively.
• Conflict resolution training: Conflict resolution training teaches couples how to resolve conflict in a healthy way.
• Couples workshops: Couples workshops are designed to provide couples with information and skills that can help them improve their relationships.

If you are interested in improving your relationship, there are many resources available to help you. The MSI-R is just one of many tools that can be used to help couples improve their relationship.

How the MSI-R can be used to help couples improve their communication and resolve conflict:

Tool	How it Can Help Couples Improve Communication	How it Can Help Couples Resolve Conflict
MSI-R	Can help couples identify the specific areas where their communication is lacking. Can help couples learn how to communicate more effectively. Can help couples practice their communication skills.	Can help couples identify the specific areas where they have conflict. Can help couples learn how to resolve conflict more effectively. Can help couples practice their conflict resolution skills.
Couples counseling	Can provide couples with a safe space to discuss their problems. Can help couples learn how to communicate more effectively. Can help couples learn how to resolve conflict more effectively.	Can help couples learn how to communicate more effectively. Can help couples learn how to resolve conflict more effectively.
Communication skills training	Can teach couples how to express their feelings in a non-judgmental way. Can teach couples how to listen actively. Can teach couples how to compromise.	Can teach couples how to communicate effectively about conflict. Can teach couples how to compromise. Can teach couples how to forgive each other.
Conflict resolution training	Can teach couples how to resolve conflict in a healthy way. Can teach couples how to compromise. Can teach couples how to forgive each other.	Can teach couples how to resolve conflict in a healthy way. Can teach couples how to forgive each other.
Couples workshops	Can provide couples with information and skills that can help them improve their relationships.	Can provide couples with information and skills that can help them improve their relationships.

It is important to note that these are just a few examples of how the MSI-R and other tools can be used to help couples improve their communication and resolve conflict. The specific tools that are most effective will vary depending on the individual couple and their needs.

If you are interested in improving your relationship, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you assess your relationship, identify areas where it can be improved, and develop a plan to make positive changes.

The Future of the MSI-R

The Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) is a well-established and widely used measure of marital satisfaction. It has been used in a variety of research studies and clinical settings.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of the MSI-R to improve couples’ relationships. There are a number of ways that the MSI-R can be used to improve couples’ relationships.

One way is to use the MSI-R to assess couples’ current level of satisfaction and identify areas where the relationship could be improved. This information can then be used to develop a plan to improve the relationship.

Another way to use the MSI-R is to track couples’ progress over time. This can be done by administering the MSI-R at different points in time, such as before and after couples therapy. This can help couples to see how their relationship is improving and to stay motivated to continue working on their relationship.

The MSI-R can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve couples’ relationships. For example, researchers can use the MSI-R to measure the level of marital satisfaction before and after couples therapy. This can help them to determine if the therapy is effective in improving couples’ relationships.

The future of the MSI-R is bright. There are a number of promising research directions that could be explored.

One area of research is the use of the MSI-R to identify couples who are at risk for marital problems. This information could be used to intervene early and prevent marital problems from developing.

Another area of research is the use of the MSI-R to develop new interventions to improve couples’ relationships. For example, researchers could develop interventions that target specific areas of marital dissatisfaction, such as communication or conflict resolution.

The MSI-R is a valuable tool that can be used to improve couples’ relationships. It has been used in a variety of research studies and clinical settings, and it has been shown to be effective in improving couples’ satisfaction. The future of the MSI-R is bright, and there are a number of promising research directions that could be explored.

Here are some of the specific future directions of research on the MSI-R:

• Developing new ways to use the MSI-R to improve couples’ relationships. Researchers could develop new interventions that target specific areas of marital dissatisfaction, such as communication or conflict resolution. They could also develop ways to use the MSI-R to track couples’ progress over time and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
• Investigating the cultural and linguistic validity of the MSI-R. The MSI-R has been translated into a number of languages, but it is important to investigate its cultural and linguistic validity in different cultures. This research could help to ensure that the MSI-R is a valid and reliable measure of marital satisfaction in different cultures.
• Developing a shorter version of the MSI-R. The MSI-R is a long questionnaire, and it can be time-consuming to administer. Researchers could develop a shorter version of the MSI-R that is still reliable and valid. This would make it easier to use the MSI-R in clinical settings and research studies.

The future of the MSI-R is bright. With continued research, the MSI-R could become an even more valuable tool for improving couples’ relationships.

Key Points:

The Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) is a well-established and widely used measure of marital satisfaction. It has been used in a variety of research studies and clinical settings.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of the MSI-R to improve couples’ relationships. There are a number of ways that the MSI-R can be used to improve couples’ relationships.

One way is to use the MSI-R to assess couples’ current level of satisfaction and identify areas where the relationship could be improved. This information can then be used to develop a plan to improve the relationship.

Another way to use the MSI-R is to track couples’ progress over time. This can be done by administering the MSI-R at different points in time, such as before and after couples therapy. This can help couples to see how their relationship is improving and to stay motivated to continue working on their relationship.

The MSI-R can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve couples’ relationships. For example, researchers can use the MSI-R to measure the level of marital satisfaction before and after couples therapy. This can help them to determine if the therapy is effective in improving couples’ relationships.

The future of the MSI-R is bright. There are a number of promising research directions that could be explored.

One area of research is the use of the MSI-R to identify couples who are at risk for marital problems. This information could be used to intervene early and prevent marital problems from developing.

Another area of research is the use of the MSI-R to develop new interventions to improve couples’ relationships. For example, researchers could develop interventions that target specific areas of marital dissatisfaction, such as communication or conflict resolution.

Here are some of the specific key points of the article:

• The MSI-R is a well-established and widely used measure of marital satisfaction.
• The MSI-R has been used in a variety of research studies and clinical settings.
• There is a growing interest in the use of the MSI-R to improve couples’ relationships.
• The MSI-R can be used to assess couples’ current level of satisfaction and identify areas where the relationship could be improved.
• The MSI-R can be used to track couples’ progress over time.
• The MSI-R can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve couples’ relationships.
• The future of the MSI-R is bright, and there are a number of promising research directions that could be explored.

FAQ about Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R):

Question 1: What is the MSI-R?

Answer: The Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) is a self-report questionnaire that is used to assess marital satisfaction. It is a well-established and widely used measure of marital satisfaction.

Question 2: How does the MSI-R work?

Answer: The MSI-R consists of 150 items that ask couples to rate their agreement with statements about their relationship. The items are scored on a Likert scale, with 1 indicating strongly disagree and 5 indicating strongly agree.

Question 3: What are the scales of the MSI-R?

Answer: The MSI-R has five scales:

• Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS): This scale measures overall marital satisfaction.
• Marital Satisfaction Subscales: These subscales measure specific aspects of marital satisfaction, such as communication, conflict resolution, and sexual satisfaction.
• Dyadic Consensus Scale (DCS): This scale measures the degree to which couples agree on important issues.
• Affective Communication Scale (ACS): This scale measures the degree to which couples express positive and negative emotions to each other.

Question 4: Who can take the MSI-R?

Answer: The MSI-R can be taken by couples who have been together for at least 6 months. It is not recommended for couples who are currently experiencing domestic violence.

Question 5: How long does it take to take the MSI-R?

Answer: The MSI-R takes about 20 minutes to complete.

Question 6: Where can I get the MSI-R?

Answer: The MSI-R is available from Psychological Assessment Resources (PAR).

Question 7: How is the MSI-R scored?

Answer: The MSI-R is scored by a trained professional. The scores are interpreted based on the couple’s overall level of marital satisfaction and the scores on the individual scales.

Question 8: How can the MSI-R be used to improve couples’ relationships?

Answer: The MSI-R can be used to improve couples’ relationships in a number of ways. It can be used to:

• Assess couples’ current level of satisfaction and identify areas where the relationship could be improved.
• Track couples’ progress over time.
• Develop a plan to improve the relationship.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve couples’ relationships.

Question 9: What are the future directions of research on the MSI-R?

Answer: There are a number of promising research directions that could be explored for the MSI-R. These include:

• Developing new ways to use the MSI-R to improve couples’ relationships.
• Investigating the cultural and linguistic validity of the MSI-R.
• Developing a shorter version of the MSI-R.

Question 10: What are the limitations of the MSI-R?

Answer: The MSI-R is a valuable tool for assessing marital satisfaction, but it has some limitations. These limitations include:

• It is a self-report measure, which means that it is subject to bias.
• It is not a diagnostic tool, and it cannot be used to diagnose marital problems.
• It is not a treatment, and it cannot be used to improve couples’ relationships on its own.

Citations for the sources used in this article:

• Snyder, D. K., & Aikman, G. G. (1999). Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R): Professional manual. Los Angeles, CA: Western Psychological Services.
• Snyder, D. K., Cepeda-Benito, A., Abbott, B. V., Gleaves, D. H., Negy, C., Hahlweg, K., & Laurenceau, J. P. (2004). Cross-cultural applications of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R). In M. E. Maruish (Ed.), The use of psychological testing for treatment planning and outcomes assessment (3rd ed., pp. 603–623). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
• Means-Christensen, A. J., Snyder, D. K., & Negy, C. (2003). Assessing nontraditional couples: Validity of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) with gay, lesbian, and cohabiting heterosexual couples. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 29(6), 69–83.
• Whisman, M. A., Snyder, D. K., & Beach, S. R. H. (2009). Screening for marital and relationship discord. Journal of Family Psychology, 23(2), 247–254.