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Development and Validation of The Agonistic Continuum Scale (TACS)
Nicholas Longpré1, Raymond A Knight2
1Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK.
Assessment
|October 18, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a new Agonistic scale to measure sexual violence, suggesting it exists on a continuum rather than distinct categories. The psychometrically sound scale aids in understanding harassment and coercion.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Sociology
Background:
- Sexual violence encompasses diverse behaviors from harassment to homicide.
- Current legal frameworks categorize these acts separately.
- The Agonistic Continuum model proposes a unified construct underlying these behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a psychometric scale measuring the Agonistic Continuum.
- To provide a tool for assessing sexual violence severity.
- To challenge arbitrary categorizations of sexual violence.
Main Methods:
- Classical test theory, exploratory factor analyses, taxometric analyses, and item response theory.
- Data collected from a combined sample of MTurk workers and university students.
- Development and testing of a 30-item Agonistic scale.
Main Results:
- The 30-item Agonistic scale demonstrated sound psychometric properties.
- Evidence supports the Agonistic Continuum model.
- The scale effectively measures the severity of sexual violence.
Conclusions:
- The new Agonistic scale offers a more nuanced understanding of sexual violence.
- Findings support moving beyond discrete categories of sexual violence.
- Implications for research on harassment and coercion, especially post-#MeToo.
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