Validation of the French-Canadian Adaptation of the Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory for Adolescents in Dating Relationships

The emergence of dating relationships in adolescence is often a source of intense emotions, which may lead to more frequent conflicts between partners than in adulthood. It is particularly important that adolescents learn constructive conflict resolution strategies so they can react appropriately when conflicts arise. Conversely, destructive strategies can contribute to the escalation of conflicts as well as many consequences for their psychological well-being. In Canada, there is no French instrument available for measuring conflict resolution strategies used by adolescents in their dating relationships. The objective of this study was to validate a French-Canadian adaptation of the Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory (CRSI) within an adolescent population. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on 2 samples of adolescents (n(1) = 262; n(2)( )= 221). In Study 1, results of the exploratory factor analysis suggested a 3-factor structure that included positive problem solving, conflict engagement, and withdrawal. Results further revealed evidence of reliability for all subscales (alpha = .70-.92) and evidence of convergent validity. In Study 2, the results of a second-order confirmatory factor analysis confirmed 3 first-order factors nested in a higher 2-factor model of constructive and destructive strategies (alpha = .71-.85). In sum, these findings provide evidence of reliability and validity for the French-Canadian adaptation of the CRSI, which will be useful for future research and clinical practice with French-speaking populations of adolescents.