---
title: "Reliability and Validity of a Novel Measure of Nonviolent Communication Behaviors - Center for Nonviolent Communication"
description: ""
url: "https://www.cnvc.org/learn/research/reliability-validity-novel-measure-nonviolent-communication-behaviors"
date: "2026-11-06T17:52:12+00:00"
language: "en-US"
---

#  Reliability and Validity of a Novel Measure of Nonviolent Communication Behaviors

Academic Journal Article by **Cheung, C. T. Y., Cheng, C. M.-H., Lam, S. K. K., Ling, H. W.-H., Lau, K. L., Hung, S. L., & Fung, H. W.** in English (2023)

 Research on Social Work Practice, 33(7), 790-797

**Purpose:** Nonviolent communication (NVC) has been increasingly recognized as a potentially beneficial approach that could promote empathy, resolve conflicts, and improve psychosocial well-being. No validated measure is available to assess or quantify NVC-specific characteristics or behaviors. This paper describes the development and pilot psychometric evaluation of a self-report measure for assessing behaviors characteristic of NVC (e.g., awareness of feelings, honest self-expression).

**Method:** We analyzed data in an online convenience sample of young adults (N = 205).

**Results:** The 7-item Nonviolent Communication Behaviors Scale (NVCBS) was found to have satisfactory internal consistency (α = 0.789 to 0.810), good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.781) and a single-factor structure. The NVCBS was also positively correlated with empathy while negatively correlated with negative beliefs about emotions, demonstrating its construct validity.

**Discussion:** The study provides a reliable and valid measure of NVC behaviors which can facilitate future studies on NVC. Directions for future research are discussed.

 [ Read Article ](https://doi.org/10.1177/10497315221128595)