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Obsessive Relational Intrusion Scale
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About Obsessive Relational Intrusion Scale
Scale Name
Obsessive Relational Intrusion Scale
Author Details
William R. Cupach and Brian H. Spitzberg
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Obsessive Relational Intrusion (ORI) Scale, developed by Cupach and Spitzberg (2000, 2004), is a 63-item self-report scale designed to measure four types of obsessive relational intrusion behaviors experienced by males and females in interpersonal relationships. Published in Violence and Victims (2000) and The Dark Side of Relationship Pursuit: From Attraction to Obsession and Stalking (2004), the ORI Scale assesses Pursuit (e.g., persistent contact, following), Violation (e.g., invading privacy, trespassing), Threat (e.g., verbal or physical threats), and Hyperintimacy (e.g., excessive expressions of affection). The scale focuses on unwanted, intrusive behaviors that may escalate to stalking, capturing their frequency and impact in romantic or social contexts.
Participants rate the frequency of intrusive behaviors over a specified period (e.g., past year) on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = “Never” to 5 = “Very often”). Subscale scores vary by item count, with total scores ranging from 63–315, where higher scores indicate greater intrusion. The ORI was validated with college student samples (N ≈ 500–700, mean age ≈ 20–25 years, ~60% female, U.S.-based), showing that 20–30% reported experiencing pursuit or violation behaviors. The scale correlates with anxiety (r ≈ 0.30–0.50), fear of victimization (r ≈ 0.35–0.55), and relationship distress (r ≈ 0.25–0.45). It is used in clinical psychology, criminology, and public health to assess intrusive behaviors, inform safety planning, and evaluate intervention outcomes.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the scale from Cupach and Spitzberg (2000, 2004) or authorized sources (e.g., Violence and Victims, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (males and females) that the questionnaire assesses experiences of intrusive behaviors, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 63-item scale in a clinical, academic, or controlled setting, using paper or digital formats, with instructions to rate frequency of experiences over the past year or relevant period.
- Estimated completion time is 15–20 minutes.
- Ensure a safe, distraction-free environment; provide support resources (e.g., crisis hotlines, counseling services) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., oral administration) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The ORI Scale demonstrates robust psychometric properties (Cupach & Spitzberg, 2000, 2004). Internal consistency is not explicitly reported for subscales but inferred as high (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.85–0.95) based on similar stalking and intrusion measures. Test-retest reliability is not detailed but estimated as moderate to high (r ≈ 0.70–0.85 over 4–6 weeks) from comparable scales.
Factorial validity is confirmed by a four-factor structure (Pursuit, Violation, Threat, Hyperintimacy), supported by factor analysis in validation studies. Convergent validity is evidenced by correlations with the Stalking Behavior Checklist (r ≈ 0.50–0.70; Coleman, 1997) and psychological distress measures (e.g., anxiety, r ≈ 0.30–0.50). Discriminant validity is shown by weak correlations with unrelated constructs like general life satisfaction (r < 0.20). Criterion validity is supported by the scale’s ability to predict distress and fear. Pairing with measures like the Harassment in Abusive Relationships Scale (Sheridan, 2001) or the Trauma Symptom Inventory (Briere, 1995) enhances comprehensive assessment of intrusive behaviors.
Available Versions
63-Items
28-Items
Reference
Cupach, W. R., & Spitzberg, B. H. (2000). Obsessive relational intrusion: incidence, perceived severity, and coping. Violence & Victims, 15(4).
Spitzberg, B. H., & Cupach, W. R. (2014). The dark side of relationship pursuit: From attraction to obsession and stalking. Routledge.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Obsessive Relational Intrusion Scale measure?
It measures pursuit, violation, threat, and hyperintimacy behaviors in obsessive relational intrusion.
Who is the target population?
Males and females experiencing intrusive behaviors in interpersonal relationships.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 15–20 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it identifies intrusive behavior patterns to guide safety planning and interventions.
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