Trashy Tricks Rating Scale: Initial Evidence for a Youth Self-Report Scale of Manipulative Behaviors

• In Event: Special Topics in Counseling

Abstract

We conducted three independent studies to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Trashy Tricks Rating Scales (TTRS); a self-report scale created to accompany an elementary and secondary social and emotional learning intervention. Results of our studies (i.e., exploratory [n=175] and confirmatory [n=175] factor analyses and correlations[n=97]) identified and supported a three-factor, higher-order model. Internal consistency estimates were acceptable (0.53 ≤ α ≤ 0.89). Small to medium, negative correlations (-0.39 ≤ r ≤ -0.15) indicated that as manipulative behaviors increased, positive behaviors decreased. Positive, primarily medium-sized correlations (0.27 ≤ r ≤ 0.51) were found between manipulation, bullying, and victimization experiences. This encourages future use and research of the TTRS scale.

Authors

• Shelley R. Hart, California State University - Chico

• Karlie Garcia, California State University - Sacramento