학술논문

Validation of the Conflict Resolution Scale from the Conflicts and Problem-Solving Scales and a New Abbreviated Short Form
Document Type
Original Paper
Source
Journal of Child and Family Studies. 32(10):2915-2930
Subject
conflict resolution
interparental conflict
validation
short form development
dyadic measurement invariance
MoBa
Language
English
ISSN
1062-1024
1573-2843
Abstract
Conflict resolution is a pivotal factor in understanding the recognized link between interparental conflict and child adjustment. Valid and reliable measures of parental conflict resolution are therefore needed. The aims of the present study were to validate the widely used Conflict Resolution Scale from the Conflicts and Problem-Solving Scales (CPS), and to develop and validate a short form of the same scale. Using a sample comprising 381 primarily married or cohabiting parent dyads (Sample 1), we tested the unidimensionality and measurement invariance across gender of the original Conflict Resolution Scale. A short form was developed using the same sample and was further validated by using both Sample 1 and a more diverse sample in terms of family structures comprising 846 parent dyads (Sample 2). Our findings support the Conflict Resolution Scale as unidimensional. Measurement invariance across gender was confirmed in both samples. Further, the short form showed a good to excellent fit to the data in both samples and a strong correlation with the original Conflict Resolution Scale. This suggests no critical loss of information when using the short form. The Conflict Resolution Scale – original and short form – demonstrated high internal reliability. Good validity was established through associations with related constructs (parental relationship and life satisfaction, and child adjustment), and by increased explained variance above conflict frequency/intensity alone. We particularly recommend the Conflict Resolution short form for research purposes and encourage further validation using samples from different cultural contexts and focusing on tests of stability and item contents analyses.
Highlights: The Conflict Resolution Scale from CPS has not been validated.We validate the Conflict Resolution Scale using two Norwegian samples of parents.We further develop a short form of the same scale, which is particularly desirable in research.The Conflict Resolution Scale demonstrates sound validity and reliability, especially the short form of the scale.We recommend the short form for use in research, and it may be relevant for clinical practice.