Factor structure and convergent validity of the Conflict Tactics Scale in high school students

This study explored the factor structure of a modified version of the Confl ict Tactics Scale (CTS; M. A. Straus, 1979) in a large multiethnic high sch ool sample. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic approaches were us ed. Results generally supported 2-factor models for males and females. A su bstantial proportion of residual variance remained after the 2 primary fact ors were extracted, and correlations among this residual Variance suggested meaningful differences in the perpetration and experience of dating violen ce for males and females. Furthermore, the factor structure for males' self -reported victimization suggested that items representing psychological and mild physical aggression, which loaded on 1 factor, may be perceived simil arly. Convergent validity analyses that examined the correlation among CTS traditional and factor scores with jealous actions,control tactics, and att itudes justifying males' and females' use of dating aggression provided ini tial support for the constructs identified. Results are discussed in terms of improving measurement of dating aggression.