Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-16)

The Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-16) is a robust, validated self-report instrument designed to measure relationship satisfaction in married, cohabiting…

Questions: 16
Duration: 5 min
Original title: CSI-16 — Couples Satisfaction Index
Adaptation: Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-16)
Authors: Funk, J. L. & Rogge, R. D.
Created: 2007

The Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-16) is a robust, validated self-report instrument designed to measure relationship satisfaction in married, cohabiting, or dating couples. Developed through Item Response Theory (IRT), it offers a more precise measurement of relationship quality than older scales, reliably capturing both severe distress and modest shifts in relational patterns. For clinicians, the CSI-16 serves as an essential baseline metric during intake and a sensitive tracking tool across the therapeutic process.

When working with couples, subjective reporting often fluctuates with recent conflict or immediate emotional states. The CSI-16 provides a grounded, standardized assessment that cuts through the noise of momentary arguments. By incorporating this measure into couples therapy, therapists can reliably establish the depth of relationship distress, monitor engagement, and evaluate the efficacy of systemic interventions over time.

Example result

Fictitious result, computed from a sample set of answers.

Overall score

36/ 81

A 16-item self-report questionnaire assessing relationship satisfaction in adults in a romantic relationship (married, cohabiting, or dating). Developed by Funk and Rogge (2007) using item response theory analyses on nearly 180 items from the primary marital satisfaction scales (DAS, MAT, QMI, RAS, KMS…), it offers greater measurement precision than traditional instruments, particularly in the clinical range (distressed couples). It measures global satisfaction as well as specific dimensions of couple functioning: warmth, strength of the bond, fulfillment of needs, attainment of expectations, and affective quality (semantic differential items).

généralemixed · community sample · United States · n = 864 · Garcia et al. (2019)

081

M = 58.59 ± 18.14

cliniquepathology: relationship distress · n = 213 · 2026 · Halamová (2026)

081

M = 38 ± 12.1

For information

Cut-off< 51.5distressed

Established clinical cutoff used to classify individuals as distressed.

Halamová (2026)View the study ↗

Cut-off> 78extremely high satisfaction

Cutoff used to select the satisfied comparison group, representing the top quartile of the sample.

Halamová (2026)View the study ↗

Scoring

Simple sum of the 16 items, total score ranging from 0 to 81, response option scoring varies by item (see individual questions).

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What the test measures

The CSI-16 evaluates the global quality and stability of a romantic partnership. Rather than diagnosing specific dysfunctions, it measures the overall climate of the relationship through several intersecting emotional and cognitive dimensions:

Global happiness: The subjective perception of joy and overall contentment within the partnership.
Relational stability: The felt sense of security and the belief that the relationship is strong and resilient.
Needs fulfillment: The degree to which a partner feels their emotional and practical expectations are met, often pointing to an unmet need when scores are low.
Companionship and warmth: The experience of functioning as a team and enjoying a comfortable, supportive connection.

This instrument is intended for adult individuals currently in a romantic relationship, regardless of marital status or sexual orientation.

When and why to use it

Clinicians integrate the CSI-16 at various stages of therapy to anchor their clinical judgment with standardized data. It is widely used in both individual therapy—when relationship distress is a primary concern—and conjoint settings.

Intake baseline: Establishing an initial benchmark of relationship satisfaction to gauge the severity of distress before treatment begins.
Monitoring change: Tracking shifts in relational quality over the course of treatment, much like monitoring change week by week.
Evaluating specific domains: Highlighting areas of concern, such as emotional warmth, which can guide targeted discussions about intimacy or shared goals.
Communication context: Providing a structured way to discuss dissatisfaction before moving into concrete behavioral work, such as practicing reflective responses in session.

A validated score adds critical reliability over clinical impression alone, ensuring that subtle improvements or deteriorations are accurately detected.

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The questions

For each of the following items, select the answer that best describes how you feel about your relationship. Base your responses on your first impressions and immediate feelings about the item.
1. All things considered, please indicate the degree of happiness in your relationship.
This item establishes a global baseline for the individual's subjective joy in the partnership.
- Extremely unhappy
- Fairly unhappy
- A little unhappy
- Happy
- Very happy
- Extremely happy
- Perfectly happy
2. In general, how often do you think things are going well between you and your partner?
This item probes the perceived frequency of positive interactions and general relational harmony.
- Never
- Rarely
- Occasionally
- More often than not
- Most of the time
- All the time
3. Our relationship is strong.
This item assesses the subjective sense of resilience and structural stability within the partnership.
- Not at all true
- A little true
- Somewhat true
- Quite true
- Almost completely true
- Completely true
4. My relationship with my partner makes me happy.
This question isolates the partner's direct contribution to the respondent's personal happiness.
- Not at all true
- A little true
- Somewhat true
- Quite true
- Almost completely true
- Completely true
5. I have a warm and comfortable relationship with my partner.
This item explores the presence of emotional safety, comfort, and affectionate warmth.
- Not at all true
- A little true
- Somewhat true
- Quite true
- Almost completely true
- Completely true
6. I really feel like my partner and I are a team.
This item evaluates the perception of mutual cooperation and shared alliance.
- Not at all true
- A little true
- Somewhat true
- Quite true
- Almost completely true
- Completely true
7. How rewarding is your relationship with your partner?
This question measures the perceived emotional and practical return on investment in the partnership.
- Not at all
- A little
- Moderately
- Quite
- Very
- Completely
8. To what extent does your partner meet your needs?
This item examines whether the individual feels adequately supported and fulfilled by their partner.
- Not at all
- A little
- Moderately
- Quite
- Very
- Completely
9. To what extent has your relationship met your original expectations?
This item compares the current reality of the partnership against the individual's initial hopes.
- Not at all
- A little
- Moderately
- Quite
- Very
- Completely
10. In general, are you satisfied with your relationship?
This question provides a direct, summary rating of overall relational contentment.
- Not at all
- A little
- Moderately
- Quite
- Very
- Completely
For each of the following items, select the answer that best describes how you feel about your relationship. Base your responses on your first impressions and immediate feelings about the item.
11. Indicate the adjective that best describes your current relationship: BORING — INTERESTING.
This differential captures the level of engagement versus monotony in the relationship.
- 0 - Boring
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5 - Interesting
For each of the following items, select the answer that best describes how you feel about your relationship. Base your responses on your first impressions and immediate feelings about the item.
12. Indicate the adjective that best describes your current relationship: BAD — GOOD.
This differential measures the fundamental appraisal of the relationship's quality.
- 0 - Bad
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5 - Good
13. Indicate the adjective that best describes your current relationship: EMPTY — FULL.
This differential explores the subjective sense of emotional abundance versus depletion.
- 0 - Empty
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5 - Full
14. Indicate the adjective that best describes your current relationship: FRAGILE — STRONG.
This differential assesses perceived relational vulnerability versus endurance.
- 0 - Fragile
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5 - Strong
15. Indicate the adjective that best describes your current relationship: DISCOURAGING — HOPEFUL.
This differential probes the respondent's optimism regarding the partnership's future.
- 0 - Discouraging
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5 - Hopeful
16. Indicate the adjective that best describes your current relationship: MISERABLE — ENJOYABLE.
This differential contrasts the daily emotional toll of the relationship against its inherent pleasure.
- 0 - Miserable
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5 - Enjoyable