Validation of a Measure of Intimate Partner Abuse (Relationship Behavior Rating Scale-Revised) Using Item Response Theory Analysis

Connie J.A. Beck, J. Michael Menke, Aurelio Jose Figueredo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

There is a need for a screening instrument to provide insight into intimate partner abuse (IPA) to inform legal decisions in child custody, divorce, child welfare, and criminal cases. This study is the third validation of the Relationship Behavior Rating Scale-Revised (RBRS-R) for concurrent validity with the widely used Conflict Tactics Scales 2 (CTS2). Item response theory results show that the RBRS-R compares favorably to the CTS, but also provides a higher degree of resolution than the CTS2 with respect to additional elements of IPA that can be manifested in different situations or individuals. This additional information might be very important in determining the safest legal process (mediation versus traditional litigation) and appropriate case outcomes to protect victims of violence.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)58-77
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of Divorce and Remarriage
Volume54
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2013

Keywords

  • divorce mediation
  • domestic violence
  • intimate partner violence
  • measurement
  • screening
  • spousal abuse
  • validation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Demography
  • Law

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