Psychometric Properties of the Iranian Version of We-ness Questionnaire

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Sajad Naghibfar ¹

Ali Kimiaee ²

Batol Shkohinik ¹

¹ M.A. in Family Counseling, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

² Associate Professor, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

10.22067/tpccp.2025.85490.1595

Abstract

Introduction
The concept of interdependence among couples, as well as the notion of mutual identity between spouses, constitutes a fundamental construct within the domain of family and couple therapy research. The marital relationship is defined as the combination of two pasts and two futures that include different values and paradigms. This combination results in the creation and establishment of a relationship that is dyadic and valuable (Long & Young, 2006). However, this union is not a transient and temporary phenomenon. It requires the promotion of an integrity sense. It has been demonstrated that, over time, the desires, needs, and satisfaction of each individual become the other one's life goals. Consequently, the elements contributing to the satisfaction of the couple gradually become analogous to each other (Gildersleeve et al., 2017).  At the beginning of a couple's relationship, each couple has an individual self-image that seems to transform over time, based on the couples' understanding of their relationship, into a shared image of "we". In essence, as partners develop a close and intimate relationship, they move toward the formation of a shared identity or "we-ness" (Topcu-Uzer et al., 2021). Research has demonstrated that the fundamental factor in dyadic adjustment and satisfaction is the shared we-ness identity. The presence of we-ness strengthens acceptance, forgiveness, patience, and companionship in the vicissitudes of life between couples (Reid et al., 2006; Reid et al., 2008). Furthermore, the perception of we-ness fosters a greater investment in the relationship among couples who function as a cohesive unit (Konstam, 2019). Consequently, there is a necessity for a self-report instrument that encompasses cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions associated with the perception of partner interdependence. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Iranian version of We-ness Questionnaire (Topcu-Uzer et al., 2021).
 
Method
This descriptive-comparative study collected data from 623 Iranian married participants. The participants in this study were individuals with age range of 17 to 88 years who were selected using convenience sampling method. The research instruments employed in this study included the We-ness Questionnaire (Topcu-Uzer et al., 2021); Dyadic Coping Inventory (Bodenmann, 2008); Emotional Harassment Scale (Barahimi, 2008); Dyadic Adjustment Scale (Spanier, 1976); and Young Schema Questionnaire (Young & Brown, 1990). In this study, the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were examined using SPSS version 27. These properties include internal consistency, confirmatory factor analysis, convergent and divergent validity.
Findings
The final sample demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α=0.95). To assess the construct validity, the CVI and CVR indices were calculated and obtained as 0.87 and 0.85, respectively. The result of confirmatory factor analysis showed one factor that explained 58.06% of the total variance. The 17 items of the We-ness Questionnaire were loaded onto a single factor, which exhibited a range from 0.63 to 0.83. Furthermore, a positive and significant correlation of 0.68 and 0.71 was obtained between the We-ness Questionnaire and the Shared Stress Coping Styles from the Dyadic Coping Inventory and the Dyadic Consensus from the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Additionally, a negative and significant correlation of -0.63 and -0.20 was obtained between the We-ness Questionnaire and the Emotional Harassment and Mistrust Schema.
Discussion & Conclusion
The goal of this research was to analyze the psychometric properties of We-ness Questionnaire in Iranian population. Decades of research studies have demonstrated that we-ness has a positive correlation with mutual satisfaction and commitment to the relationship (see Alea et al., 2015). Moreover, it has been evidenced that we-ness negatively predicts the likelihood of a decrease in relationship quality and ultimately separation or divorce (Bohlman et al., 2011). To evaluate the internal consistency, the Cronbach's alpha was used and indicated high internal consistency and reliability of the questionnaire. This finding was consistent with the relevant finding of research in Turkey by Üçok et al. (2024). To assess the construct validity, the CVI and CVR was calculated and gained data showed the acceptable construct validity. The result of confirmatory factor analysis revealed one factor which was in consistent with Topcu-Uzer et al (2021) findings. Additionally, results showed strong and positive correlations between We-ness Questionnaire and Common Dyadic Coping subscale of the Dyadic Coping Inventory, and Dyadic Cohesion subscale of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. These findings indicate the convergent validity of the Iranian version of the We-ness Questionnaire. When couples feel more agreement, support, and respect in their relationships, they are more likely to have a higher level of cohesion and life satisfaction, and the reason for this may be that a successful and satisfying marital relationship can be a source of emotional support, security, and empathy. On the other hand, the presence of problems in marital adjustment (such as constant confrontations, lack of intimacy, and dissatisfaction with the relationship) can lead to a decrease in the level of couples' cohesion, increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, strong negative correlation was showed between Weness questionnaire and Emotional Harassment inventory while low negative correlation was revealed between Weness questionnaire and Young Schema inventory. Couples with high levels of intimacy and unity will have a greater ability to cope with problems, challenges, and changes related to the relationship and will also have higher marital commitment. Thus, the level of emotional abuse, which includes neglect, verbal abuse, dominance, and social restriction, will decrease with increasing intimacy and unity between couples. In addition, the distrust/mistreatment schema seriously undermines trust, which prevents the formation of a close and intimate relationship. People with a distrust schema have difficulty establishing honest and open relationships, which prevents the formation of a common understanding.
 
 
Psychometric analysis of the We-ness Questionnaire indicates that it possesses appropriate validity and reliability in Iranian society and provides the ability to assess the level of couples' perceived weness.

Keywords

Weness

Reliability

Validity

Subjects

• Family and Marriage

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 Authors retain the copyright and full publishing rights. This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0)

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