How long does this quiz take?

It takes about three minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?

Yes, all answers are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Will this quiz tell me if I should break up?

No, this test analyzes communication patterns and conflict styles to identify areas for improvement, rather than determining the overall viability of your relationship.

Can my results help save my relationship?

Yes, identifying ineffective arguing styles is often the first step toward learning healthier communication tools and breaking toxic cycles.

Discover if your relationship is suffering from unproductive conflict patterns with this scientifically inspired assessment.

Ineffective Arguing Inventory

Uncover the hidden patterns sabotaging your communication.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Reviewed by Jourdan Travers, LCSW

Conflict is an inevitable part of any close relationship, but the way partners handle disagreements can make the difference between a bond that grows stronger and one that falls apart. While having arguments is normal, getting stuck in repetitive loops where nothing gets resolved can be damaging to your emotional connection. This assessment is designed to help you identify if your current conflict resolution style is helping or hurting your partnership.

Based on research into relationship dynamics, the Ineffective Arguing Test looks at the specific behaviors that lead to stalemates, frustration, and feelings of being unheard. Unlike a simple compatibility quiz, this tool focuses on the mechanics of how you fight. It distinguishes between healthy venting and the kind of dysfunctional communication that erodes trust over time.

To get a comprehensive view of your relationship health, we recommend pairing this test with our Relationship Satisfaction Scale to gauge your overall happiness, or the Anger Management Scale if you feel tempers flare too quickly during disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about three minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Ineffective Arguing Inventory answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Ineffective Arguing Inventory results may have changed.
Will this quiz tell me if I should break up?: No, this test analyzes communication patterns and conflict styles to identify areas for improvement, rather than determining the overall viability of your relationship.
Can my results help save my relationship?: Yes, identifying ineffective arguing styles is often the first step toward learning healthier communication tools and breaking toxic cycles.

Ineffective Arguing Quiz: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Argument Style

For each statement, indicate how much you agree on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. Our conflicts frequently result in a deadlock where no progress is made.

2. There is a definite need for us to get better at handling our disagreements.

3. Our fights tend to drag on for a long time and eventually fade away rather than being solved.

4. We often finish arguments feeling like neither of us was truly heard or understood.

5. The moment a conflict starts, I find myself thinking, "Here comes the same old fight."

6. Generally speaking, we struggle to effectively resolve the issues between us.

7. Our disagreements often end without a clear resolution or conclusion.

8. It is common for us to go several days without fixing the issue after a fight.

9. We tend to get stuck on proving who is "right" rather than finding a solution that works for both of us.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your age, gender, region, and first name for a detailed report comparing your results to others.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Submit Your Ineffective Arguing Inventory Answers

After completing all questions, click below to send your responses to Mark Travers, Ph.D. All answers are anonymized and confidential.

References

Kurdek, L. A. (1994). Conflict Resolution Styles in Gay, Lesbian, Heterosexual Nonparent, and Heterosexual Parent Couples. Journal of Marriage and Family, 56(3), 705-722.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.