Determining the Discriminant Validity of Family Cohesion and Flexibility Subscales and a Cutoff Score to Separate the Healthy and Clinical Groups

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the discriminant validity of family adaptability and cohesion evaluation subscales. We investigated families referring to counseling, family courts, substance dependence treatment centers, and healthy and clinically defined cutoff scores for the breakdown of healthy Iranian families.  Methods This scale was validated by four psychologists and translated by a professional English translator. After conducting a pilot study on 30 subjects, the necessary corrections were made to the scale. Families from 7 provinces (N=1652 subjects, parents= 558, mothers= 576, mothers and children=518) responded to the scale. For data analysis, univariate Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multivariate operating characteristic curves were used.  Results The obtained results suggested that family mean normal score in all groups, clinical counseling, substance dependence, and family courts subscales suggested significant differences in terms of adverse life events, family interactions, family satisfaction, integrity, balance, flexibility, intertwined, torn, confused, and frustrated that there is flexibility (P<0/05).  Conclusion The operating characteristic curve analysis to determine cutoff scores revealed the cutoff scores of family adaptability and cohesion evaluation subscales between normal and clinical diagnosis established optimum. Psychometric properties of the Persian version of family adaptability and cohesion evaluation is applicable for psychological research and clinical diagnosis.