Scale Overview
The Multi-Trait Measure of Equity – MTME was developed by Danielle M. Young, Elaine Hatfield, Jane Traupmann (1981). It is designed to measure Relationship Equity. The scale is intended for use with Dating or married adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 25 items organized into 4 factors/subscales: Personal Concerns, Emotional Concerns, Day-to-Day Concerns, Opportunities Gained and Lost.
| Factor / Subscale |
Items |
N |
| Personal Concerns |
1,2,3,4 |
4 |
| Emotional Concerns |
5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15 |
11 |
| Day-to-Day Concerns |
16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23 |
8 |
| Opportunities Gained and Lost |
24,25 |
2 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: -3 = My partner is getting a much better deal than I am, -2 = My partner is getting a somewhat better deal, -1 = My partner is getting a slightly better deal, 0 = We are both getting an equally good or bad deal, 1 = I am getting a slightly better deal, 2 = I am getting a somewhat better deal, 3 = I am getting a much better deal than my partner.
Scoring
Item scores are averaged to produce a mean score.
Total scores range from -75 to 75. Interpretation guidelines:
- Underbenefited (partner gets a better deal): -75 – -1
- Equitably treated (equal deal): 0 – 0
- Overbenefited (respondent gets a better deal): 1 – 75
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Cronbach's alpha for total inputs = .87, total outputs = .90.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.