Couples with scores in this range reflect a majority of couples with dissatisfaction or distress in their relationship. Relationship dissatisfaction can present itself in so many ways, but there exists an uncertainty as to how you can work constructively and collaboratively with your partner to address the struggles in your relationship. Couples in this score range can benefit tremendously from couple’s counseling. Since there exists a foundation of satisfaction and hope for the future, couple’s counseling can allow you and your partner to better understand each other and communicate more effectively so that future problems and struggles can be navigated more easily. Couples in this score range can also reflect early warning signs of problematic relationship patterns and/or communication styles that, if left unresolved, can erode at the quality of your relationship and cause problems in the future.

Source: 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.