The Reliability and Validity of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) in a Female Incarcerated Population

Abstract

This study examined the psychometric properties of the revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) with one specialized population. A sample of 264 incarcerated women in a large, Midwest, maximum security correctional center reported on the conflict tactics they employed against their partner (self as aggressor) and their partner employed on them (self as victim). High chronicity and severity rates of partner violence were reported, and the psychometric properties of the CTS2 were altered. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor solution for both the Self as Victim and Self as Aggressor subscales. These factors were labeled Negotiation, Sexual Coercion, Injury, and General Assault, which combined the Physical Assault and Psychological Aggression subscales originally proposed by the instrument's developers. Implications for the general use of the CTS2 and for use with incarcerated women are discussed.