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Reliability and validity of the Abusive Violence Scale
1Department of Family Relations and Child Development, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078.
Psychological Reports
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Experience with abusive violence during the Vietnam War may contribute to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A new Abusive Violence Scale reliably measures this experience, showing a link to PTSD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Military Medicine
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- The Vietnam War's stress continues to affect veterans.
- Personal experience with abusive violence is a potential factor in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a reliable measure of abusive violence experienced during war service.
- To assess the relationship between abusive violence and PTSD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Construction of an Abusive Violence Scale.
- Assessed internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha.
- Evaluated validity through Pearson correlations with combat exposure and PTSD measures.
- Performed factor analysis to determine scale structure.
Main Results:
- The Abusive Violence Scale demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .81).
- Scale validity was supported by significant correlations with combat exposure and PTSD dimensions (intrusiveness, avoidance).
- Factor analysis confirmed a single underlying factor: abusive violence.
Conclusions:
- The Abusive Violence Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring personal experience with abusive violence.
- This measure can aid in understanding the link between combat experiences and PTSD in veterans.