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Partner Abuse Scale – Physical (PASPH)
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About Partner Abuse Scale – Physical (PASPH)
Scale Name
Partner Abuse Scale – Physical (PASPH)
Author Details
Walter W. Hudson
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Partner Abuse Scale – Physical (PASPH), developed by Walter W. Hudson (1997), is a 25-item self-report scale designed to measure the magnitude of physical abuse experienced by partners in dating, cohabiting, or marital relationships. Published in the WALMYR Assessment Scales Scoring Manual, the PASPH focuses on physical abuse behaviors, such as hitting, pushing, or other violent acts, within intimate partner violence (IPV) contexts. It is part of the WALMYR Assessment Scales, which aim to provide reliable tools for assessing various social and psychological issues. The scale is designed to capture the severity and frequency of physical abuse from the perspective of the victim, making it suitable for clinical and research applications.
Participants rate the frequency of 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 magnitude of physical abuse. The PASPH was validated with a sample of adults in intimate relationships (sample size and demographics not fully specified in the manual, but typically hundreds, U.S.-based), showing that higher scores were associated with clinical reports of abuse. The scale correlates with trauma symptoms (r ≈ 0.40–0.60), depression (r ≈ 0.30–0.50), and relationship distress (r ≈ 0.35–0.55). It is used in clinical psychology, social work, and public health to assess physical 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 experiences of 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 PASPH 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 physical abuse constructs.
Factorial validity is evidenced by a unidimensional structure focusing on physical abuse. Convergent validity is shown through correlations with the Conflict Tactics Scale (r ≈ 0.50–0.70; Straus, 1979) and mental health measures (e.g., depression, r ≈ 0.30–0.50). The scale’s criterion validity is supported by its ability to differentiate abused from non-abused individuals, as validated in related studies (e.g., Beck et al., 2009). Pairing with measures like the Partner Abuse Scale: Nonphysical (PASNP), Composite Abuse Scale (Hegarty et al., 1999), or Trauma Symptom Inventory (Briere, 1995) 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 – Physical measure?
It measures the frequency and magnitude of physical 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 physical abuse severity to guide clinical interventions and support services.
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