Two-Year Reliability of the Propensity for Abusiveness Scale

• NCJ Number: 212697
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2005 Pages: 231-234
• Author(s): Robert J. W. Clift; Lindsey A. Thomas; Donald G. Dutton
• Date Published: August 2005
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study assessed the 2-year test-retest reliability of the propensity for abusiveness scale (PAS) in a sample of male and female undergraduate students.

Abstract

Most measures of abuse are highly reactive, meaning that respondents’ reports on many measures of abusiveness are correlated with their reports on measures of social desirability. In an attempt to minimize reactivity, the propensity for abusiveness scale (PAS) was developed. The PAS, consisting of 29 items has been found to have high internal consistency. In 1995, it was reported that the PAS could correctly classify men as high or low in psychological abusiveness 82 percent of the time. To assess the 2-year test-retest reliability of the PAS, 27 male and 37 female university students completed the PAS during the 1998-1999 and 2000-2001 school year. Overall, the PAS and each of its subscales demonstrated good 2-year test-retest reliability. These study results combined with other studies suggest that the PAS may have utility in predicting future physical and psychological abuse perpetration. Tables, references