Validation of the Gottman Negative Comparisons for Alternatives Scale

The present study was designed to revise a previous measure of the “Negative Comparisons for Alternative Relationships” Scale originally developed by Rusbult and her colleagues. Rusbult’s research of her investment model of commitment is the only research that has ever been successful at predicting sexual infidelity among heterosexual couples. The key variable in Rusbult’s investment model is the negative comparison for alternative relationships, which will be called “negative comps,” in the present article. A sample of 227 participants were recruited to validate a new scale based on Rusbult’s approach. Validation with a Marital Satisfaction Scale, a measure of depression, a measure of anxiety, and an adult attachment measure. The new measure had excellent criterion and discriminant validity.