The EQR scale measures:

•  feelings of affection and intimacy
• ability to solve problems within the relationship
• ability to communicate about sex with the partner
• satisfaction with these areas and the relationship as a whole (Kreuter et al. 1994a).

Number of items: 7

Procedure/Administration: Self-report instrument.

How scored: Scores are summed resulting in a composite score that ranges from a maximum value of 28 to a minimum of 7. Items scored on a four-point scale ranging from 4 (very great) to 1 (very poor) (Kreuter et al. 1996).

Interpretability: Higher scores indicate that the emotional quality of the relationship is stronger. Mean values for SCI patients range from approximately 22 to 24 (Kreuter et al. 1994a; 1994b; 1996). There are no definitions and classifications of the results provided.

Acceptability: The tool could feasibly be used for individuals with either tetraplegia or paraplegia.

Languages: English

Usability: Staff burden is limited given the self-report nature of the scale

Time to administer: 2-5 minutes.

Time to score: N/a

Training required: Though no special equipment or training is required, items can illicit an emotional response that may require professional attention.

Availability: N/a

Equipment required: N/a

Summary:

• The EQR is useful in looking at aspects of relationships experienced by individuals with SCI. No other similar measures of these characteristics exist.
• 30% - 40% of the subjects thought the questions regarding sex were difficult to answer.
• Due to the lack of current literature using this tool, other more mainstream methods such as client interview should be used in conjunction with this scale.

 Psychometric Summary:

Note: TR= Test re-test; IC= Internal Consistency;Inter-O=Inter-observer; Intra-O=Intra-observer; SS=Sensitivity/Specificity.

Red light= A single study involving SCI subjects which has less than adequate findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Yellow light= A single study involving subjects with SCI which has adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Green light= At least 2 studies involving subjects with SCI which have adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

N/a= No information.

References

• Kreuter M, Sullivan M, Siosteen A. Sexual adjustment and quality of relationships in spinal paraplegia: A controlled study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1996;77:541-548.
• Kreuter M, Sullivan M, Siosteen A. Sexual adjustment after spinal cord injury (SCI) focusing on partner experiences. Paraplegia 1994; 32:225-235.
• Kreuter M, Sullivan M, Siosteen A. Sexual adjustment after spinal cord injury (SCI) -comparison of partner experiences in pre- and postinjury relationships. Paraplegia 1994;32:759-770.