Brief Description

The PRP is a multidimensional assessment tool consisting of 197 statements and is designed to identify factors associated with the emergence of violent behaviors. It is divided into two main categories: the Intrapersonal Scales and the Relationship Scales, comprising 17 and 8 subscales respectively. The intrapersonal subscales assess elements such as antisocial attitude, depression, dependency, criminal history, childhood sexual abuse, and cognitive distortions. The relationship subscales focus on conflict, abuse, trauma, and control strategies. Responses are given on a four-point Likert scale.

Purpose

The PRP aims to assess causal factors of violence, emphasizing both intrapsychic and interpersonal variables related to aggressive or violent behavior. It is applicable both at the individual level and within the context of relationships. The tool is intended for use in prevention, diagnosis, and intervention for individuals who may exhibit or experience violence.

Scoring Method

Each question is answered using a four-point scale: 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = agree, 4 = strongly agree. Each subscale score is calculated as the mean of the item scores associated with that subscale. Evaluation can be performed either by individual subscale or through aggregate indicators of intrapersonal and interpersonal risk factors.

Validity

The face, content, and construct validity of the PRP have been confirmed through research showing significant correlations between its subscales and other validated instruments, such as the Personal Relationships Questionnaire (PROQ2) and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2). Statistically significant positive correlations were observed with physical assault, trauma, psychological abuse, and sexual coercion, supporting the scale’s predictive and conceptual validity.

Reliability

Cronbach’s alpha coefficients indicate high internal consistency across most subscales. For example, the antisocial attitude subscale has an alpha of 0.73, traumatic personality 0.74, criminal history 0.81, and depression 0.79. The overall reliability of the subscales ranges from 0.62 to 0.86, indicating good stability and measurement consistency.

Data Analysis and Use

The PRP can be used in both research and clinical settings for prevention, risk assessment, and intervention in cases involving violence, abuse, trauma, and high-risk relationship dynamics. The subscales allow for both quantitative and qualitative analysis of risk factors and individual psychological profiles. Data can be used for diagnostic purposes, therapeutic planning, and evaluating the effectiveness of intervention programs.

References

Kalaitzaki, A. E., Britchnell, J., & Kristotakis, E. (2010). The associations between negative relating and aggression in the dating relationships of students from Greece. Partner Abuse: New Directions in Research, Intervention, and Policy, 1(4), 420–442.
Straus, M. A., Hamby, S. L., Boney-McCoy, S., & Sugarman, D. (1999). The Personal and Relationships Profile (PRP). Durham, NH: Family Research Laboratory, University of New Hampshire.
Straus, M. A., & Mouradian, V. E. (1999). Preliminary psychometric data for the Personal and Relationships Profile (PRP): A multi-scale tool for clinical screening and research on partner violence. Paper presented at the American Society of Criminology, Toronto, Ontario.