Scale Description

The Conflict Avoider Style of Marriage Scale (CASMS-29) is a tool designed to measure the tendency of couples to avoid conflicts in their relationship. The scale assesses various strategies and attitudes individuals use to avoid tensions and disagreements in their marriage. It consists of 29 statements covering different aspects of conflict avoidance.

Data Analysis and Usage

The CASMS-29 is typically analyzed by assessing participants’ responses using a Likert scale, where they indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with each statement. The collected responses can be analyzed to reveal the conflict avoidance strategies employed by individuals and the impact of these strategies on their relationships. Analysis may include comparative studies between couples with different conflict avoidance strategies.

Objective

The primary objective of the CASMS-29 is to identify and measure the conflict avoidance strategies used in marriages. By evaluating these strategies, researchers and marriage counselors can gain a better understanding of couples’ preferences and behaviors regarding conflict management, aiming to develop interventions to improve communication and relationship quality.

Calibration

The calibration of the CASMS-29 is typically done using a Likert scale, with ratings ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.” Higher scores usually indicate a greater tendency to avoid conflicts, while lower scores indicate a lesser tendency to avoid. The overall score can be used to categorize couples into different levels of conflict avoidance.

Bibliography

Kelley, H. H., & Thibaut, J. W. (1978). Interpersonal Relations: A Theory of Interdependence. Wiley.

Gottman, J. M. (1994). What Predicts Divorce?: The Relationship between Marital Processes and Marital Outcomes. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Kurdek, L. A. (1996). The Nature and Predictors of Relationship Quality among Gay, Lesbian, and Heterosexual Couples. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 58(4), 1102-1114.

Markman, H. J., & Rhoades, G. K. (2008). The Role of Conflict in Marriage: A Review of Current Research. Journal of Family Psychology, 22(3), 467-477.

Holman, T. B., & Jacobson, N. S. (1985). Marital Satisfaction and the Resolution of Marital Conflict. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 47(3), 553-563.