Conflict Resolution—Individual Protective Factors Index

The Conflict Resolution—Individual Protective Factors Index (IPFI) is a self-report measure of individual protective factors that are associated with successful conflict resolution. It was developed by Phillips and Springer (1992) to assess the following five factors:

  • Self-control: The ability to manage one’s emotions and behavior in a constructive way.
  • Cooperation: The ability to work together with others to achieve a common goal.
  • Communication: The ability to express oneself clearly and effectively.
  • Problem-solving: The ability to identify and solve problems in a fair and equitable way.
  • Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

The IPFI consists of 12 items, each of which is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The items are summed to create a total score, with higher scores indicating higher levels of individual protective factors.

The IPFI has good internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of .85. It also has good test-retest reliability, with a correlation of .75 over a 2-week period.

The IPFI has been shown to be valid in a variety of ways. For example, it has been found to correlate positively with other measures of conflict resolution, such as the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II (Rahim, 1983). It has also been found to be predictive of positive outcomes, such as improved academic performance and reduced levels of aggression.

The IPFI is a useful tool for assessing individual protective factors that are associated with successful conflict resolution. It is a reliable and valid measure that can be used to identify individuals who are at risk for conflict and to provide them with interventions that can help them develop these skills.

Here are some of the strengths of the IPFI:

  • It is a comprehensive measure of individual protective factors for conflict resolution.
  • It has been shown to be reliable and valid in a variety of research studies.
  • It is easy to administer and score.

Here are some of the limitations of the IPFI:

  • It is a self-report measure, so it is susceptible to social desirability bias.
  • It is a relatively new measure, so there is limited research on its long-term validity.
  • It is not available in all languages.

Overall, the IPFI is a valuable tool for assessing individual protective factors that are associated with successful conflict resolution. It is a reliable and valid measure that can be used to identify individuals who are at risk for conflict and to provide them with interventions that can help them develop these skills.


Self-Control
1. Sometimes you have to physically fight to get what you want.
2. I get mad easily.
3. I do whatever I feel like doing.
4. When I am mad‚ I yell at people.
5. Sometimes I break things on purpose.
6. If I feel like it‚ I hit people.
Cooperation
1. I like to help around the house.
2. Being part of a team is fun.
3. Helping others makes me feel good.
4. I always like to do my part.
5. It is important to do your part in helping at home.
6. Helping others is very satisfying.
 
This instrument can be found on pages 196-197 of Measuring Violence-Related Attitudes‚ Behaviors‚ and Influences Among Youths: A Compendium of Assessment Tools‚ available online at:http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/YV_Compendium.pdf .
 
 
The items listed under Self-Control are scored as follows:
YES! = 1
yes = 2
no = 3
NO! = 4
The Cooperation items are reverse coded. To score‚ point values for all 12 items are added. Blank items are excluded‚ with the score adjusted for the number of items completed when two or few items are blank.
The maximum obtainable score of 48 indicates a high level of conflict resolution skills. Aminimum score of 12 indicates a low level.
 

Phillips J‚ Springer F. Extended National Youth Sports Program 1991-1992 evaluation highlights‚

part two: Individual Protective Factors Index (IPFI) and risk assessment study. Report prepared for theNational Collegiate Athletic Association. Sacramento‚ CA: EMT Associates‚ 1992.

 Springer‚ J.F. & Phillips‚ J. (1997). Individual Protective Factors Index (IPFI): A Measure of  Adolescent Resiliency. Folsom‚ CA: EMT Associates‚ Inc.

 

 
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