stability, suggesting the predictive validity of the scale. As this scale has been developed

only recently, no reliability information for the measure is available at this time. This

instrument has a 10th grade reading level as calculated by the SMOG Reading Formula or

an 8th grade reading-level as determined by the Flesch-Kincaid Formula.

 Although this scale is not yet well-established and more validity and reliability

information is needed, its grounding in Gottman's theory and research makes its utility

promising. Gottman and other researchers have rigorously tested his theory of couple

conflict types, lending this scale a great deal of construct validity. Holman and Jarvis

created the scale in part to test whether couple conflict types could be identified through

survey methods, as previous research had relied solely on observational data. Although

observational data provides an important measure of this construct, a self-report of couple

conflict type is a more time-efficient method of measurement and may be more easily

completed by couples and professionals with limited time and resources. It also provides

an insider's view of the couple rather than relying solely on an outsider's observations.

As noted above, while other studies have examined conflict among new parents, most

have conceptualized conflict strategies as either constructive or destructive. Gottman's

model identifies three different couple conflict types that are functional, and one couple

conflict type that is not. Little is known about how these four couple conflict types

manage conflicts related to the transition to parenthood or to couples' division of labor.

Different conflict strategies may prove successful or unsuccessful depending on their

match with a couple's preferred conflict style. Couple conflict type may be a critical

variable to be considered when designing interventions to help couples manage conflicts

related to the transition to parenthood.