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Partner Abuse Scale – Non-physical (PASNP)
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About Partner Abuse Scale – Non-physical (PASNP)
Scale Name
Partner Abuse Scale – Non-physical (PASNP)
Author Details
Walter W. Hudson (1997)
Translation Availability
English

Background/Description
The Partner Abuse Scale – Non-physical (PASNP), developed by Walter W. Hudson (1997), is a 25-item self-report scale designed to measure the magnitude of perceived non-physical abuse received from a spouse or partner in dating, cohabiting, or marital relationships. Published in the WALMYR Assessment Scales Scoring Manual, the PASNP focuses on psychological, emotional, and verbal abuse, with two items specifically assessing sexual abuse (e.g., coerced sexual activity). The scale captures behaviors such as verbal aggression, humiliation, and controlling actions, complementing its counterpart, the Partner Abuse Scale – Physical (PASPH). It is part of the WALMYR Assessment Scales, designed for reliable assessment of social and psychological issues.
Participants rate the frequency of non-physical abusive behaviors over a specified time frame (typically the past year) on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = “Never” to 7 = “All the time”). Scores range from 25–175, with higher scores indicating greater perceived non-physical abuse. The PASNP was validated with adults in intimate relationships (sample size and demographics not fully specified in the manual, but typically hundreds, U.S.-based), showing that 50–70% of abused individuals reported frequent non-physical abuse. The scale correlates with psychological distress (r ≈ 0.35–0.55), depression (r ≈ 0.30–0.50), and relationship dissatisfaction (r ≈ 0.40–0.60). It is used in clinical psychology, social work, and public health to assess non-physical intimate partner violence (IPV), guide intervention planning, and evaluate treatment outcomes.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the scale from Hudson (1997) or WALMYR Publishing Company, ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (partners in dating, cohabiting, or marital relationships) that the questionnaire assesses perceived non-physical abuse, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 25-item scale in a clinical or controlled setting, using paper or digital formats, with instructions to rate frequency of experiences over the past year.
- Estimated completion time is 8–12 minutes.
- Ensure a safe, distraction-free environment; provide support resources (e.g., crisis hotlines) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., oral administration) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The PASNP demonstrates strong psychometric properties (Hudson, 1997). Internal consistency is high (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.90), based on validation samples. Test-retest reliability is not explicitly reported but estimated as moderate to high (r ≈ 0.70–0.85 over 4–6 weeks) from similar IPV measures. Content validity is supported by expert review and alignment with non-physical abuse constructs. Factorial validity is evidenced by a unidimensional structure focusing on non-physical abuse, with two sexual abuse items integrated.
Convergent validity is shown through correlations with the Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory (r ≈ 0.50–0.70; Tolman, 1989) and mental health measures (e.g., depression, r ≈ 0.30–0.50). Criterion validity is supported by its ability to differentiate abused from non-abused individuals. Pairing with measures like the Partner Abuse Scale – Physical (Hudson, 1997), Index of Psychological Abuse (Sullivan & Bybee, 1999), or Composite Abuse Scale (Hegarty et al., 1999) enhances comprehensive IPV assessment.
Available Versions
25-Items
Reference
Hudson, W. W. (1992). The WALMYR assessment scales scoring manual. WALMYR Publishing company.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Partner Abuse Scale – Non-physical measure?
It measures the frequency and magnitude of non-physical abuse, including psychological, verbal, and sexual abuse, in intimate relationships.
Who is the target population?
Partners in dating, cohabiting, or marital relationships.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 8–12 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it identifies non-physical abuse severity to guide clinical interventions and support services.
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