Violence-Related Attitudes and Beliefs: Scale Construction and Psychometrics

• NCJ Number: 234373
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 21 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2006 Pages: 856-868
• Author(s): Pamela A. Brand; Phyllis A. Anastasio
• Date Published: July 2006
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined attitudes and beliefs about violent crime and punishment.

Abstract

The 50-item Violence-Related Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (V-RABS) includes three subscales measuring possible causes of violent behavior (environmental influences, biological influences, and mental illness) and four subscales assessing possible controls of violent behavior (death penalty, punishment, prevention, and catharsis). Each subscale demonstrates good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Thus, the V-RABS and its component subscales can be valuable research tools for understanding people's beliefs about the causes and controls of violent crime. (Published Abstract)