Family functioning: A review of empirical studies on assessment measures (FAD, FACES-IV and SCORE-15)

Abstract

Psychological theories regarding family functioning suggest the assessment of specific variables, such as family process and its composition, which includes dimensions as interactions, affection, rules and roles of family members. The present study aims to analyze family measures widely used to assess family functioning in Brazil and Europe in the past 11 years. Empirical research, selected according to specific criteria, reveals that the Family Assessment Device (FAD), Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales IV (FACES-IV) and Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation-15 (SCORE-15) represent valid assessment tools. General Functioning of Family (GFF), a FAD subscale, and SCORE-15 obtained more adequate psychometric properties in transcultural studies. SCORE-15 stands out due to its promising results: it is a brief contemporary family measure, with proven sensitiveness to therapeutic change and ease of use.