Episode-Specific Conflict Tactics Questionnaire – ESCTQ
Measures the frequency of various conflict tactics used during a specific episode of interpersonal conflict.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Episode-Specific Conflict Tactics Questionnaire – ESCTQ was developed by Daniel J. Canary, William R. Cupach, Brian H. Spitzberg (1988). It is designed to measure Interpersonal Conflict Tactics. The scale is intended for use with Adults in relationships.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 36 items organized into 5 factors/subscales: Avoidance, Integration, Criticism, Anger, Denial.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Avoidance | 1,4,7,12,15,21,23,26,33,34 | 10 |
| Integration | 2,3,5,8,10,13,16,17,24,27 | 10 |
| Criticism | 9,14,18,25,29,30,35 | 7 |
| Anger | 6,11,19,20,22,28,32 | 7 |
| Denial | 31,36 | 2 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Not at All, 2 = Once or Twice, 3 = Several Times, 4 = A Good Amount, 5 = Many Times.
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 Avoidance: .80, Integration: .91, Criticism: .90, Anger: .80, Denial: .80.
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.