Transgression-Related Interpersonal Motivations Scale
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About Transgression-Related Interpersonal Motivations Scale
Scale Name
Transgression-Related Interpersonal Motivations Scale
Author Details
Michael E. McCullough, K. Chris Rachal, Steven J. Sandage, Everett L. Worthington Jr., Susan W. Brown, and Terry L. Hight
Translation Availability
English

Background/Description
The Transgression-Related Interpersonal Motivations Scale (TRIM) is a self-report instrument developed to assess an individual’s motivations toward a transgressor following an interpersonal offense. Grounded in forgiveness research, the TRIM evaluates two primary dimensions:
- Avoidance Motivation: The desire to distance oneself from the transgressor, reflected in behaviors such as withdrawal and reduced interaction.
- Revenge Motivation: The inclination to seek retribution or harm against the transgressor.
The original TRIM consists of 12 items, with 7 items assessing avoidance and 5 items assessing revenge motivations. Respondents rate each item on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (“Strongly Disagree”) to 5 (“Strongly Agree”). Higher scores indicate stronger avoidance or revenge motivations. An expanded version, the TRIM-18, includes an additional 6-item subscale measuring benevolence, capturing positive motivations toward the transgressor. The TRIM has been widely used in psychological research to study forgiveness processes and relational dynamics following transgressions.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a Copy: Access the TRIM through the original publication by McCullough et al. (1998) or reputable psychological assessment resources.
- Explain the Purpose: Inform participants that the TRIM assesses their current thoughts and feelings toward an individual who has hurt or offended them, focusing on motivations related to avoidance, revenge, and benevolence.
- Provide Instructions: Instruct participants to recall a specific interpersonal offense and respond to each item based on their current feelings toward the transgressor, using the 5-point scale provided.
- Approximate Time: The TRIM typically takes about 5–10 minutes to complete.
- Administer the Scale: Ensure participants complete the questionnaire in a quiet, comfortable environment, free from distractions, to facilitate honest and reflective responses.
Reliability and Validity
The TRIM has demonstrated high internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients reported at 0.86–0.94 for the Avoidance subscale and 0.90 for the Revenge subscale. Test-retest reliability over periods ranging from 3 to 9 weeks has yielded coefficients between 0.44 and 0.86, indicating moderate temporal stability.
Confirmatory factor analyses support the two-factor structure of avoidance and revenge motivations, with the benevolence subscale adding a third dimension in the TRIM-18. The scale’s validity is further supported by significant correlations with related constructs, such as empathy, apology, and relationship closeness, confirming its effectiveness in assessing forgiveness-related motivations.
Available Versions
12-Items
Reference
McCullough, M. E., Rachal, K. C., Sandage, S. J., Worthington Jr, E. L., Brown, S. W., & Hight, T. L. (1998). Interpersonal forgiving in close relationships: II. Theoretical elaboration and measurement. Journal of personality and social psychology, 75(6), 1586.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Transgression-Related Interpersonal Motivations Scale (TRIM)?
The TRIM is designed to assess an individual’s motivations toward a transgressor following an interpersonal offense, focusing on avoidance, revenge, and benevolence motivations.
Who developed the TRIM?
The scale was developed by Michael E. McCullough and colleagues, as published in their 1998 study.
How is the TRIM structured?
The original TRIM consists of 12 items divided into two subscales: 7 items measuring avoidance motivations and 5 items measuring revenge motivations. An expanded version, the TRIM-18, includes an additional 6-item benevolence subscale.
How is the TRIM administered?
Participants self-report their motivations toward a specific transgressor by responding to each item using a 5-point Likert scale, with responses ranging from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree.”
Is the TRIM a reliable and valid measure?
Yes, the TRIM has demonstrated high reliability and validity in assessing forgiveness-related motivations across various populations and contexts.
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