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Physical Abuse of Partner Scale
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About Physical Abuse of Partner Scale
Scale Name
Physical Abuse of Partner Scale
Author Details
Walter W. Hudson
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Physical Abuse of Partner Scale (PAPS), developed by Walter W. Hudson (1997), is a 25-item self-report scale designed to measure the magnitude of physical abuse perpetrated against a spouse or partner in dating, cohabiting, or marital relationships. Published in the WALMYR Assessment Scales Scoring Manual, the PAPS focuses on physical abuse behaviors, such as hitting, pushing, or other violent acts, perpetrated by the respondent. It complements its counterpart, the Partner Abuse Scale – Physical (PASPH), which measures victimization. As part of the WALMYR Assessment Scales, the PAPS aims to provide reliable tools for assessing intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration in clinical and research settings.
Participants rate the frequency of perpetrating 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 perpetration of physical abuse. The PAPS 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 10–20% of respondents reported perpetrating physical abuse. The scale correlates with aggression measures (r ≈ 0.35–0.55), relationship conflict (r ≈ 0.40–0.60), and psychological distress (r ≈ 0.30–0.50). It is used in clinical psychology, social work, and public health to assess physical IPV perpetration, 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 physical abuse behaviors they may have perpetrated, 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 perpetration over the past year.
- Estimated completion time is 8–12 minutes.
- Ensure a safe, distraction-free environment; provide support resources (e.g., counseling services) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., oral administration) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The PAPS 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 perpetration 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 perpetration.
Convergent validity is shown through correlations with the Conflict Tactics Scale (r ≈ 0.50–0.70; Straus, 1979) and aggression measures (e.g., r ≈ 0.35–0.55). Criterion validity is supported by its ability to differentiate perpetrators from non-perpetrators. Pairing with measures like the Partner Abuse Scale – Non-physical (Hudson, 1997), Abuse within Intimate Relationships Scale (Borjesson et al., 2003), 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 Physical Abuse of Partner Scale measure?
It measures the frequency and magnitude of physical abuse perpetrated against a spouse or partner.
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 perpetration patterns to guide clinical interventions and prevention programs.
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