Kansas Marital Conflict Scale (KMCS)

The Kansas Marital Conflict Scale (KMCS) is a tool used to measure marital conflict and communication. It is a self–report measure of marital conflict and communication developed by researchers at the University of Kansas. The scale consists of 18 items that assess both the frequency and intensity of marital conflict. The items are divided into three subscales: verbal hostility, physical aggression, and avoidance. The verbal hostility subscale includes items that assess the frequency of verbal aggression and hostility in the relationship. Examples of items include “How often do you use put–downs or insults when arguing? and “How often do you yell at each other?. The physical aggression subscale includes items that assess the frequency of physical aggression in the relationship. Examples of items include “How often do you grab or push each other? and “How often do you throw things?. The avoidance subscale includes items that assess the frequency of avoidance behaviors in the relationship. Examples of items include “How often do you withdraw or ignore each other? and “How often do you avoid talking about difficult topics?. The KMCS has been used in a variety of research studies to assess marital conflict and communication. It has been found to be a reliable and valid measure of marital conflict and communication. The KMCS is a useful tool for researchers and clinicians interested in assessing the quality of marital relationships.