Conflicts and Problem-Solving Scales – Conflict Strategies (CPS-CS)
Measures the frequency of various conflict resolution and coping strategies used by partners during relationship disagreements.
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 strategies. The scale is intended for use with Couples and parents.
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 | 9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18 | 10 |
| Stonewalling/stalemate | 19,20,21,22,23 | 5 |
| Verbal Aggression | 27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34 | 8 |
| 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: 0.86, Avoidance-Capitulation: 0.70-0.74, Stonewalling/stalemate: 0.76-0.78, Verbal Aggression: 0.85-0.84, Physical Aggression: 0.83-0.87, Child Involvement: 0.81-0.85.
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.