The Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-4)
The Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-4) is the shortest, most efficient version of a highly validated relationship assessment. It captures the essence of relational health in just four powerful questions. This rapid tool invites you to mindfully gauge your satisfaction, dedication, and overall happiness within your primary relationship. Use this free index to quickly establish your relational baseline and identify if this is an area where a deeper, reflection for intentional growth might serve you best
What is this assessment?
True wellbeing involves the health of our deepest connections. The Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-4) offers a moment of deep, focused reflection on the strength and quality of your primary relationship. It is an extremely brief, yet highly accurate, distillation of relationship satisfaction, focusing on the core elements of dedication, commitment, and overall fulfilment.
This four-question assessment is perfect for a quick check-in, allowing you to stop the busy rhythm of your life and consciously attend to your most important bond.
Why Is This Assessment Valuable?
The CSI-4 is valuable because it gives you maximum insight for minimum time investment. It cuts straight to the heart of relationship quality, providing a clean snapshot of your subjective satisfaction. A high score offers affirming feedback - proof that your mindful efforts are paying off. A lower score is an efficient signal - it helps you acknowledge potential areas of unmet needs or emotional distance, pinpointing where intentional relational growth could be most beneficial.
How to Approach this Assessment:
Reflect Alone and Honestly: This assessment is for your individual perspective on the relationship. While it's about the couple, your honesty is paramount. Find a quiet, distraction-free space to reflect.
Read and Consider: You will be presented with 4 statements about your relationship. For each one, consider how accurately it reflects your current experience.
Use the Scale Mindfully: The CSI-4 uses various scales (e.g., 0 to 5 or 0 to 6), but the underlying principle is to indicate your degree of agreement or frequency. Always choose the option that best represents your honest feeling about your relationship today.
Focus on the Present: Base your answers on your feelings and experiences within the relationship right now, not on how things were in the past or how you wish they could be:
Please indicate the degree of happiness, all things considered, of your relationship.
Extremely Unhappy | Fairly Unhappy | A Little Unhappy | Happy | Very Happy | Extremely Happy | Perfect |
0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
I have a warm and comfortable relationship with my partner
Not at all TRUE | A little TRUE | Somewhat TRUE | Mostly TRUE | Almost Completely TRUE | Completely TRUE |
0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
How rewarding is your relationship with your partner?
Not at all | A little | Somewhat | Mostly | Almost Completely | Completely |
0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
In general, how satisfied are you with your relationship?
Not at all | A little | Somewhat | Mostly | Almost Completely | Completely |
0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Scoring:
The total score is the sum of the points for all 4 items. The maximum possible score is 21, which indicates the highest possible relationship satisfaction. Scores below 13 are often used as a reference point for relationship dissatisfaction.
The Next Steps
Your total score offers a powerful numerical representation of your relationship satisfaction. If your score suggests you have areas of dissatisfaction, this is a clear signpost for change! If, after taking this self-assessment tool, you realise you want more support in building a more resilient and joyful relationship, get in contact.
A Note of Intention (Disclaimer):
This self-assessment is designed for individual awareness and personal growth only. It is not a substitute for professional psychological evaluation, diagnosis, couples therapy, or treatment. It provides insights into your current perception of relational wellbeing, which can be a valuable starting point for growth, but it is not a clinical tool. If you or your partner are experiencing significant distress or conflict, please seek help from a qualified relationship therapist or mental health professional.
Scale developed by Funk, J.L., & Rogge, R.D. (2007). Testing the Ruler with Item Response Theory: Increasing Precision of Measurement for Relationship Satisfaction with the Couples Satisfaction Index. Journal of Family Psychology, 21, 572-583.