The romantic partner conflict scale: A new scale to measure relationship conflict

In this article, we report on three studies designed to develop the Romantic Partner Conflict Scale (RPCS). In Study 1, items were developed based on existing research and theory. The factor analysis of these items indicated six factors (totaling 39 items): Compromise, Domination, Submission, Separation, Avoidance, and Interactional Reactivity. In Study 2, Confirmatory Factor Analysis reinforced the six-factor structure. Study 3 demonstrated strong test-retest reliabilities for the factors/subscales. Moreover, the subscales representing constructive conflict strategies (especially Compromise) were positively related to communication, satisfaction, respect, love, and sexual attitudes. The subscales representing destructive strategies were negatively related to these variables. Additional findings, limitations of the research, and implications for future research and clinical use of the RPCS are presented.