Factor structure and validation of Controlling Behaviour Scale-Revised and Revised Conflict Tactics Scale

Recently, more attention is being paid to controlling behaviours within a continuum of intimate partner violence and abuse. However, it is unclear whether current scales are sufficiently valid to measure such behaviours. The current study assessed the factor structure and reliability of the revised Controlling Behaviour Scale (CBS-R) and the revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2). Data were gathered from a U.K. general population sample (n = 405). Confirmatory factor analyses were carried out on the CTS2 and the CBS-R, for both perpetration and victimisation items, using the weighted least squares estimation with mean adjustment method. Multiple factor models were confirmed in the analysis of the CBS-R and CTS-2 for perpetration and victimisation items. Reliabilities for the factors were satisfactory across both scales. This is the first validation of the factor structure of the CBS-R and the findings suggests that this a valid and reliable scale for measuring controlling behaviours.