THE CONSTRUCT-VALIDITY OF INDIVIDUAL AND INTERPERSONAL CORRELATES OF ROOMMATE RELATIONSHIP QUALITY

There is a need for validated constructs and instruments with which to approach the study of individual traits and interpersonal processes which enable college roommates to develop and maintain quality relationships. This study investigated the convergent and discriminant validity of four constructs important to college roommate relationships: empathic responding, perception of experience (in the relationship), similarity of partners and interpersonal understanding. The design employed Campbell & Fiske's (1959) multitrait-multimethod matrix. Each constructwas represented by two companion variables' that were measured using both the psychometric and single-item self-rating methods. Forty roommate pairs enrolled in a Relationship Skills program participated in the study. One individual variable, Perception of Trust and Intimacy, and one interpersonal variable, Understanding, showed promising evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. © 1990, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.