Reliability and Validity of a Novel Measure of Nonviolent Communication Behaviors

Cherry T.Y. Cheung, Clement Man-Him Cheng, Stanley Kam Ki Lam, Henry Wai-Hang Ling, Kim Ling Lau, Suet Lin Hung, Hong Wang Fung*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: Nonviolent communication (NVC) has been increasingly recognized as a potentially beneficial approach that could promote empathy, resolve conflicts, and improve psychosocial well-being. No validated measure is available to assess or quantify NVC-specific characteristics or behaviors. This paper describes the development and pilot psychometric evaluation of a self-report measure for assessing behaviors characteristic of NVC (e.g., awareness of feelings, honest self-expression).

Method: We analyzed data in an online convenience sample of young adults (N = 205).

Results: The 7-item Nonviolent Communication Behaviors Scale (NVCBS) was found to have satisfactory internal consistency (α = 0.789 to 0.810), good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.781) and a single-factor structure. The NVCBS was also positively correlated with empathy while negatively correlated with negative beliefs about emotions, demonstrating its construct validity.

Discussion: The study provides a reliable and valid measure of NVC behaviors which can facilitate future studies on NVC. Directions for future research are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages8
JournalResearch on Social Work Practice
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 23 Sept 2022

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Social Sciences(all)
  • General
  • Psychology(all)
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Sociology and Political Science

User-Defined Keywords

  • empathy
  • mental health
  • nonviolent communication (NVC)
  • reliability
  • validation

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