Practical perspective gives relationships research global reach

Challenge

Self-defeating behaviours, or ‘self-sabotage’, can regularly play a role in relationship breakdown. 

While practitioners recognised the human habit, there was no tool available to measure and understand relationship sabotage in a practical, evidence-based way. 

This gap limited psychologists, counsellors, relationship educators and practitioners in their ability to identify recurring patterns that contribute to relationship difficulties and support individuals to develop healthier relationship behaviours.

Drawing on research with more than 1,300 participants, CQUniversity researcher and educator Dr Raquel Peel identified the need for a reliable framework to conceptualise and measure relationship self-sabotage.

Her work sought to move beyond theory and provide a practical tool that could be used by researchers and practitioners alike.

Solution

To meet growing need, Dr Peel developed the Relationship Sabotage Scale (RSS) and validated the 12-item instrument.

The relationship sabotage scale: an evaluation of factor analyses and constructive validity was published in BMC Psychology in 2021, has been translated across multiple languages.

Developed through a rigorous multi-study research program, the scale measures three key dimensions associated with self-sabotaging relationship behaviours: defensiveness, trust difficulty and lack of relationship skills.

The RSS provides practitioners, relationship educators and researchers with an evidence-based framework for understanding the behaviours that undermine relationship success and wellbeing. 

Related research in the Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy has consistently been the most-read article. 

Impact

Dr Peel’s scale has been adopted by relationship practitioners and educators, including public education platforms such as The Attachment Project.

Alongside her scholarly contributions, Dr Raquel Peel has built a strong reputation as a trusted relationships expert and science communicator. 

Her research has informed a TEDx Talk, articles published through The Conversation in Australia, Brazil and Indonesia, and extensive national and international media engagement across all platforms.

At the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research, Dr Peel is the Head of Course for the Domestic and Family Violence Practice education and training units.

Her science communications experience informs her engagement with students, and how she prepares future frontline practitioners for challenging roles. 

“It is important to build the confidence of students to feel that they are well equipped to work in this sector and work broadly across the diverse relationships sector,” Dr Peel said.

“As part of my relationships research, I see very clearly the impact of domestic and family violence, and the important of building an evidence based to inform practitioners, and to protect people from violence in relationships.”

In 2025, this combination of research excellence, community impact and public engagement earned Dr Peel the 2025 Australian Psychological Society (APS) Media Award for Public Engagement with Psychological Science. 

The prestigious award recognised her ability to transform psychological science into accessible information that supports mental health, relationship wellbeing and safer communities.

“My goal has always been to make psychological research accessible and relevant so that people feel informed, supported and empowered in their relationships and wellbeing," Dr Peel said.

“I feel privileged to share these powerful messages, even if it helps one person recognise unsafe behaviour, seek help or support someone they care about.”

Dr Raquel Peel's work demonstrates how research can influence professional practice, inform public understanding and drive meaningful social impact.