Theoretical and Practical Issues in Selecting a Measure of Family Functioning

Abstract

With the increasing interest in evaluating family therapy, self-reportfamily functioning measures remain a key method of assessing outcome. This article addresses two issues. First, common problems associated with self-report family measures are discussed. Second, because source- books of research instruments often do not provide sufficient information on the validity and reliability of measures, six commonly used family functioning measures (FACES III, Family Environment Scale [FES], Family Asessment Device [FAD], Family Assessment Measure [FAM-III], Index of Family Relations [IFR], and Self-Report Family Inventory [SFI]) are assessed from the point of view of the adequacy of their psychometric support and practicality of administration. Recommendations are made regarding the utility of each instrument in light of its strengths and weaknesses.