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Published in: Journal of Family Violence 8/2007

01-11-2007 | Original Article

Test–Retest Reliability of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2)

Authors: Edward M. Vega, K. Daniel O’Leary

Published in: Journal of Family Violence | Issue 8/2007

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Abstract

The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) are widely used to measure intimate partner aggression. Various aspects of the CTS2 and its subscales have been examined, e.g. factor structure, internal consistency, and validity, but little or no evidence exists regarding the stability of the self-report of aggression on the CTS2 This study examines the stability of reports of aggression against a partner on the CTS2 among 82 men court-mandated to a batterer intervention program. At both testing times men reported on aggression occurring in the year prior to beginning treatment. Using variety scores, stability of report was strong for psychological aggression (r = 0.69), physical assault (r = 0.76), injury (r = 0.70), and negotiation (r = 0.60), but weaker for sexual coercion (r = 0.30). Implications for the use of the CTS2 in court-mandated populations are discussed.
Footnotes
1
Details regarding the lack of change from the initial to the second assessment can be obtained from the authors.
 
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Metadata
Title
Test–Retest Reliability of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2)
Authors
Edward M. Vega
K. Daniel O’Leary
Publication date
01-11-2007
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Family Violence / Issue 8/2007
Print ISSN: 0885-7482
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2851
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-007-9118-7

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