The Convergence Communication Scale

Abstract

A rational-theoretical approach to scale development was employed to develop and evaluate a scale to measure submissive communication in personal relationships. A convergence communication pattern compels submissive relational partners to interpret the world around them in ways consistent with dominant partners. This study was guided by two aims: (1) to develop a valid and reliable measure of convergence communication – the Convergence Communication Scale – and (2) to conduct a preliminary examination of the effects of convergence communication on submissive partners’ mental health. A measurement instrument was developed (α = .95) and tested in two separate administrations ( N = 379; N = 373), revealing associations between convergence communication, depression, and learned helplessness for both males and females, predicting depression specifically for females.