Assessing Silent Conflict: Results from the Portuguese Version of the Silent Interparental Conflict Scale

The aim of present study was to develop the Portuguese version of the Silent Interparental Conflict Scale (SICS). This research examined the psychometric properties of this scale that evaluates marker characteristics of silent conflict and its perceived costs and benefits for individuals in a relationship. Participants were 173 individuals in a relationship who filled out the following measures: SICS, Family Environment Scale, Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale and Brief Symptom Inventory. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis to test the SICS factorial structure and computed correlations between its scores and those of other relevant constructs to contribute to this scale’s construct validity. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed an acceptable fit for the three-factor structure (marker, costs, and benefits of silent interparental conflict). The total score of SICS demonstrated very good internal consistency (αs > .80) and it was negatively correlated with scores of family cohesion, expressiveness, and marital satisfaction; conversely, it was positively correlated with scores of family conflict and psychological symptoms. Results support the use the SICS in Portuguese contexts. Silent conflict is a construct readily recognized, and this self-report questionnaire proved to be a valid instrument to assess this form of conflict between members of a couple.