Conflicts and Problem-Solving Scales – Conflict Strategies (CPS-CS)
Measures the frequency of various constructive and destructive conflict resolution strategies used by partners in a relationship.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Conflicts and Problem-Solving Scales – Conflict Strategies (CPS-CS) was developed by Patricia K. Kerig (1996). It is designed to measure Interparental Conflict Resolution Strategies. The scale is intended for use with Parents / Couples.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 46 items organized into 6 factors/subscales: Collaboration, Avoidance-Capitulation, Stonewalling/stalemate, Verbal Aggression, Physical Aggression, Child Involvement.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Collaboration | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 | 8 |
| Avoidance-Capitulation | 9,10,11,12,16,17 | 6 |
| Stonewalling/stalemate | 13,14,15,18,19,20,21,23 | 8 |
| Verbal Aggression | 22,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34 | 9 |
| Physical Aggression | 35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42 | 8 |
| Child Involvement | 24,25,26,43,44,45,46 | 7 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 0 = Never, 1 = Rarely, 2 = Sometimes, 3 = Often.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Collaboration (alpha 0.86), Avoidance-Capitulation (alpha 0.70-0.74), Stonewalling/stalemate (alpha 0.76-0.78), Verbal Aggression (alpha 0.84-0.85), Physical Aggression (alpha 0.83-0.87), Child Involvement (alpha 0.81-0.85).
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.