Relational Pursuit Scale – RPS
Measures the frequency and severity of unwanted relational pursuit, obsessive relational intrusion, and stalking behaviors.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Relational Pursuit Scale – RPS was developed by William R. Cupach & Brian H. Spitzberg (2004). It is designed to measure Obsessive Relational Intrusion and Stalking Perpetration. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 28 items organized into 3 factors/subscales: Stalking, Violation, Threats.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13 | 13 |
| Violation | 14,15,16,17,18 | 5 |
| Threats | 19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28 | 10 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 0 = Never, 1 = Only Once, 2 = 2 or 3 Times, 3 = 4 to 5 Times, 4 = Over 5 times.
Scoring
Items are summed to produce a total score.
Total scores range from 0 to 112. Interpretation guidelines:
- No Perpetration: 0 – 0
- Mild Pursuit: 1 – 28
- Moderate Intrusion: 29 – 56
- Severe Intrusion / Stalking: 57 – 112
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Not specified.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.