Carnegie Mellon University

Marital Conflict

Title

Braiker & Kelley Marital Conflict Scale

Study

PMBC

Copyright Information

Available in the public domain

Primary Reference

Braiker, H., & Kelley, H. H. (1979). Conflict in the development of close relationships. In R. L. Burgess & T. L. Huston (Eds.), Social exchange in developing relationships. New York: Academic.

Purpose

To assess the amount of overt behavioral conflict and communication of negative affect within the marital relationship.

Type of Measure

Modified.  The original Braiker & Kelley questionnaire utilized a 9-point Likert response scale.  The measured used here employed a 5-point scale.

Description

Participants indicate the amount of conflict and negativity in their relationships on a 5-point Likert scale

Scaling

Scale 1: 1= Not Very Much, 5=Very Much
Scale 2: 1= Not Very Often, 5=Very Often

Number of Items

5

Sample Items

  • When you and your spouse argue, to what extent are the problems or arguments serious?
  • How often do you feel angry or resentful toward your spouse?

Psychometrics

Internal Consistency Reliability in PMBC (alpha=0.81)

Scoring

Sum Items 1 through 5

Variables

Total Score