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Granada, Spain – A recent study conducted by researchers at the Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research (CIMCYC) at the University of Granada (UGR) highlights the significant impact of feeling supported and listened to by a partner on both physical and emotional health. The findings were released just ahead of Valentine’s Day, reinforcing the importance of emotional responsiveness in romantic relationships.
According to Inmaculada Valor Segura, a researcher in the Department of Social Psychology at UGR and co-author of the study, relationship quality influences not only satisfaction and emotional stability but also general well-being. “Feeling understood, validated, and cared for by one’s partner is a fundamental pillar of a healthy relationship, and the perception that our partner responds to our emotional needs influences long-term intimacy and stability,” she explains.
Development of a Spanish-Language Measurement Tool
Despite increasing awareness of the role of emotional support in relationships, there has not been a validated tool in Spanish to measure perceived responsiveness—until now. To address this gap, researchers from CIMCYC, in collaboration with the University of Almería and the University of Texas at Austin, have adapted and validated the Perceived Responsiveness and Insensitivity Scale (PRIS) in Spanish. The new tool, PRIS-SA (Spanish Adaptation), enables researchers and clinicians to assess how well individuals feel understood, validated, and cared for by their partners.
The study detailing this research has been published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
The Importance of Perceived Partner Responsiveness (PPR)
Perceived Partner Responsiveness (PPR) is a key concept in relationship psychology that refers to the extent to which an individual feels their partner attends to and supports their emotional and personal needs. Scientific literature increasingly recognizes PPR’s influence on both personal well-being and relationship quality.
Previous research has linked a high perception of partner responsiveness to numerous benefits, including:
- Greater emotional well-being and life satisfaction
- Improved sleep quality
- Healthier hormonal activity
- Reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms
- Lower risk of mortality
Moreover, PPR has been shown to strengthen relationships by fostering trust, communication, and emotional intimacy. High responsiveness encourages pro-relationship behaviors such as gratitude, forgiveness, and social support, while a lack of responsiveness is associated with conflict, avoidant attachment, and decreased satisfaction.
A Breakthrough for Research and Therapy
The PRIS-SA offers two versions: a full 16-item scale and a shorter 8-item version for practical applications. Using a sample of 493 Spanish individuals, the study confirmed that PRIS-SA has strong reliability and validity, maintaining the structure of the original English version. Additionally, it demonstrated gender invariance and significant associations with relationship quality indicators like satisfaction, conflict resolution strategies, and attachment styles.
This adaptation marks a major advancement in Spanish-language relationship psychology. Traditionally, research in Spanish-speaking populations has relied on English-based scales, limiting the scope of studies. The PRIS-SA will now enable more in-depth research across various cultural contexts, exploring how emotional support affects relationship stability and individual well-being.
Beyond research, the tool has practical applications in therapy. Relationship counselors and psychologists can use PRIS-SA to assess communication and emotional support within couples, helping identify areas for improvement and designing interventions to strengthen emotional bonds.
“In short, this study not only fills a methodological gap in relationship research within the Spanish-speaking world but also provides a valuable tool for enhancing couple dynamics in everyday life,” concludes Valor.
Study Reference
María Alonso-Ferres et al., Spanish adaptation of the perceived responsiveness and insensitivity scale, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (2025). DOI: 10.1177/02654075251318461
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice. Individuals experiencing relationship distress or mental health concerns should consult a qualified professional for personalized support and guidance.
