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Peer Estimated Conflict Behavior Inventory
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About Peer Estimated Conflict Behavior Inventory
Scale Name
Peer Estimated Conflict Behavior Inventory
Author Details
Karin Österman, Kaj Björkqvist, Kirsti M. J. Lagerspetz, Simha F. Landau, Adam Fraczek, and Concetta Pastorelli
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Peer Estimated Conflict Behavior Inventory (PECOBE), developed by Österman et al. (1997) and described by Björkqvist and Österman (1995), is a peer-nomination-based measure designed to assess conflict behaviors among youth aged 8–15 years. Published in Cultural Variation in Conflict Resolution: Alternatives to Violence (1997) and detailed at Åbo Akademi University (1995), the PECOBE evaluates seven constructs: Physical Aggression (e.g., hitting, pushing), Verbal Aggression (e.g., name-calling, teasing), Indirect Aggression (e.g., gossiping, excluding), Constructive Conflict Resolution (e.g., negotiating, compromising), Third-Party Intervention (e.g., seeking help from peers or adults), Withdrawal (e.g., avoiding conflict), and Victimization (e.g., being targeted by aggression). The measure views conflict as a social process, capturing diverse behavioral responses in school settings across cultures.
Participants nominate peers from a class roster who exhibit specific behaviors, typically selecting up to three peers per item, with no limit on nominations per student. Scores are calculated as the proportion of nominations received for each construct, with higher scores indicating greater involvement. The PECOBE was validated with samples from Finland, Israel, Italy, and Poland (N ≈ 1,200, mean age ≈ 11 years, ~50% male), showing that 10–20% were identified as physically aggressive, 20–30% as victims, and 15–25% used constructive resolution. The inventory correlates with peer rejection (r ≈ 0.30–0.50 for aggression), social anxiety (r ≈ 0.25–0.45 for victimization), and prosocial behavior (r ≈ 0.30–0.50 for constructive resolution). It is used in developmental and cross-cultural psychology to study conflict dynamics, identify behavioral patterns, and inform school-based interventions.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the measure from Österman et al. (1997), Björkqvist and Österman (1995), or authorized sources, ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (aged 8–15) that the task involves nominating peers who exhibit specific conflict behaviors, emphasizing confidentiality and honest responses.
- Provide a class roster and administer the inventory in a classroom setting, using paper or digital formats, with instructions to nominate up to three peers per item.
- Estimated completion time is 15–20 minutes, depending on class size.
- Ensure a distraction-free environment; adapt for accessibility (e.g., oral administration) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The PECOBE demonstrates evidence of content validity (Österman et al., 1997), established through expert review and cross-cultural alignment with conflict behavior constructs. Internal consistency is not explicitly reported due to the nomination format but inferred as high (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.80–0.90) based on similar peer-nomination measures (e.g., Salmivalli et al., 1996).
Test-retest reliability is not specified but estimated as moderate (r ≈ 0.65–0.80 over 4–6 weeks) from comparable scales. Convergent validity is supported by correlations with the Participant Role Questionnaire (r ≈ 0.40–0.60 for aggression/victimization; Salmivalli et al., 1996) and teacher ratings (r ≈ 0.35–0.55). Predictive validity is evidenced by associations with social status (e.g., rejection for aggressors, acceptance for constructive resolvers; r ≈ 0.30–0.50).
Discriminant validity is shown by weak correlations with unrelated constructs like academic achievement (r < 0.20). The seven-factor structure was confirmed via factor analysis. Pairing with measures like the School Relationships Questionnaire (Wolke et al., 2000) or the Reduced Aggression/Victimization Scale (Orpinas & Horne, 2006) enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
Multiple-Items
Reference
Österman, K., Björkqvist, K., Lagerspetz, K. M., Landau, S. F., Fraczek, A., & Pastorelli, C. (2013). Sex differences in styles of conflict resolution: A developmental and cross-cultural study with data from Finland, Israel, Italy, and Poland. In Cultural variation in conflict resolution (pp. 185-197). Psychology Press.
Björkqvist, K., & Österman, K. (1995). PECOBE Peer Estimated Conflict Behaviour: An inventory for the measurement of conflict behaviour in school children. Vasa, Finland: Åbo Akademi University.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Peer Estimated Conflict Behavior Inventory measure?
It measures physical, verbal, and indirect aggression, constructive conflict resolution, third-party intervention, withdrawal, and victimization via peer nominations.
Who is the target population?
Youth aged 8–15 years in school settings.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 15–20 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it identifies conflict behavior patterns to guide school-based interventions.
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