Scale Overview
The Avoidance Strategy Questionnaire – ASQ was developed by S. S. Belk & W. E. Snell, Jr. (1988). It is designed to measure Avoidance strategies in intimate relationships. The scale is intended for use with Adults in close relationships.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 24 items organized into 4 factors/subscales: Factor I (Unilateral Avoidance), Factor II (Bilateral Avoidance), Factor III (Noncompliance Avoidance), Factor IV (Unilateral Avoidance).
| Factor / Subscale |
Items |
N |
| Factor I (Unilateral Avoidance) |
17,18,19,20,21,22 |
6 |
| Factor II (Bilateral Avoidance) |
9,10,12,14,24 |
5 |
| Factor III (Noncompliance Avoidance) |
4,5,6,8,13,15,16 |
7 |
| Factor IV (Unilateral Avoidance) |
3,7,11 |
3 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Do not use at all, 2 = B, 3 = C, 4 = D, 5 = Use very often.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 24 to 120. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low avoidance strategy use: 24 – 56
- Moderate avoidance strategy use: 57 – 88
- High avoidance strategy use: 89 – 120
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Not specified in source text.
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.