The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales – Short Form (CTS2S) is a 20-item instrument based on the full CTS2. The measure is designed to capture intimate partner violence. Specifically, it assesses three tactics used when there is conflict in the relationships of dating, cohabiting, or marital couples: Negotiation, Physical Assault, and Psychological Aggression. The long version of the scale can be found here.
Geographies Tested: United States of America
Populations Included: Female, Male
Age Range: Adolescents, Adults
1. I explained my side or suggested a compromise for a disagreement with my partner
2. My partner explained his or her side or suggested a compromise for a disagreement with me
3. I insulted or swore or shouted or yelled at my partner
4. My partner insulted or swore or shouted or yelled at me
5. I had a sprain, bruise, or small cut, or felt pain the next day because of a fight with my partner
6. My partner had a sprain, bruise, or small cut or felt pain the next day because of a fight with me
7. I showed respect for, or showed that I cared about my partner’s feelings about an issue we disagreed on
8. My partner showed respect for, or showed that he or she cared about my feeling about an issue we disagreed on
9. I pushed, shoved, or slapped my partner
10. My partner pushed, shoved, or slapped me
11. I punched or kicked or beat-up my partner
12. My partner punched or kicked or beat-me-up
13. I destroyed something belonging to my partner or threatened to hit my partner
14. My partner destroyed something belonging to me or threatened to hit me
15. I went see a doctor (M.D.) or needed to see a doctor because of a fight with my partner
16. My partner went to see a doctor (M.D.) or needed to see a doctor because of a fight with me
17. I used force (like hitting, holding down, or using a weapon) to make my partner have sex
18. My partner used force (like hitting, holding down, or using a weapon) to make me have sex
19. I insisted on sex when my partner did not want to or insisted on sex without a condom (but did not use physical force)
20. My partner insisted on sex when I did not want to or insisted on sex without a condom (but did not use physical force)
How often did this happen?
Response options:
Once in the past year - 1
Twice in the past year - 2
3-5 times in the past year - 3
6-10 times in the past year - 4
11-20 times in the past year - 5
More than 20 times in the past year - 6
Not in the past year, but it did happen before - 7
This has never happened - 8
Scoring the short form is identical to scoring the full CTS2. There are many ways to score the CTS2, found here.
Straus, M. A., & Douglas, E. M. (2004). A short form of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales, and typologies for severity and mutuality. Violence and Victims, 19(5), 507-520.
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