Conflict Anxiety Response Scale: Updates on the Development of an Assessment of Derailing Tendencies in Romantic Conflicts

Abstract: Recognizing the influence of anxiety over behaviors in interpersonal conflict situations, Morton Deutsch (1993) proposed a theoretical framework that outlined twelve tendencies, divided into six bi-polar dimensions, as common manifestations of anxiety management in conflict. Employing both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the Conflict Anxiety Response Scale (CARS) aims to develop and validate a reliable scale to evaluate respondents on the twelve dimensions and gain insights into the conditions affecting reactions and responses in disputes. Informed by our empirical findings based on eight empirical studies, this research aims to establish a practical tool that promotes self-awareness and foster discussion among practitioners in educational contexts.

Keywords: Anxiety, Scale Development, Conflict Anxiety