The predictive validity of the verbal aggressiveness scale

Abstract

This study examined the predictive validity of Infante and Wigley's (1986) 20‐item Verbal Aggressiveness Scale (VAS) and the 10‐item aggression and 10‐item benevolence components of the VAS proposed by Beatty, Rudd, and Valencic (1999). Individuals’ scores on the 20 self‐report VAS items were obtained and approximately four weeks later their aggressive communication during an interaction was assessed. Results indicate that the 20‐item VAS and the proposed 10‐item benevolence component of the VAS predicted frequency and rate of aggressive communication, while the proposed 10‐item aggression component of the VAS and aggressive communication were not related at a statistically significant level.