The Relational aggression scale (RAS): Psychometric properties of a newly developed measure of relational aggression

Introduction

Relational aggression (RA) is a growing and worrisome problem, particularly among adolescents, that can result in negative psychological consequences for those involved. Therefore, it is important to develop instruments to detect these incidents and understand the problem so as to design effective intervention strategies.

Objective

This study aims to construct a new self-report questionnaire, the Relational aggression scale (RAS), consisting of four subscales, namely direct, indirect, proactive and reactive RA, and to examine the factorial, convergent and criterion validity, the reliability (internal consistency and test-retest), and the measurement invariance of the instrument among Greek adolescents.

Method

The study uses a cross-sectional design. The RAS was administered to 1231 youth aged between 10 to 16 years old along with three self-reports of RA and antisocial personality traits.

Results

The findings confirmed the validity and reliability of two correlated two-factor models (i.e., direct and indirect RA, proactive and reactive RA) and a correlated four-factor model (i.e., proactive direct, proactive indirect, reactive direct, reactive indirect). Regarding convergent validity, the RAS scores were positively correlated with other RA measures, while concerning criterion validity, significantly positive associations emerged between RA and antisocial personality traits. The measurement invariance of the scale across both gender and grade level was also supported.

Conclusion

The RAS is a valid and reliable assessment instrument of RA during adolescence. Implications for the use of the RAS to assess direct, indirect, proactive, reactive forms of RA and inform intervention decisions in samples of youth are discussed.