Week 6 Assignment: Family Assessments Comparison

Family Assessments

In addition to understanding the systemic nature of family life, the second major emphasis of this section is on the benefits and process of conducting family based assessments with clients. Assessment is a process of studying a person or group of people in order to come to conclusions about what he, she, or they are like. Often the result of assessment includes a decision as to whether the person or persons is/are “normal.” As such, it is important for therapists to grapple with the question of what “normal” is and of how much variation can be allowed within that definition.

Specifically, for this week, you will review three commonly used family assessments (FACES, SFI, and FAD). To start this week, examine each of the instrument samples provided and read each of the assigned articles and chapters related to these models/assessments.

Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES; based on Olson’s Circumplex model)

1. The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES)
2. Olson, D. E., & Gorall, D. M. (2003). Circumplex model of marital and family systems.

Self-report Family Inventory (SFI; based on the Beavers model)

1. The Dallas Self-report Family Inventory (SFI)
2. Hampson, R., Hulgus, Y., & Beavers, W. (1991). Comparisons of self-report measures of the Beavers Systems Model and Olson’s Circumplex Model.

Family Assessment Device (FAD; based on the McMaster model)

1. The Family Assessment Device (FAD)
2. Epstein, N.B., Bishop, D. S., & Levin, S. (1978). The McMaster Model of Family Functioning.
3. Epstein, N. B., Baldwin, L. M., & Bishop, D. S. (1983). The McMaster Family Assessment Device.
4. Miller, I. W., Epstein, N. B., Bishop, D. S., & Keitner, G. I. (1985). The McMaster Family Assessment Device: Reliability and Validity.

Be sure to carefully review this week’s resources. You will be expected to apply the information from these resources when you prepare your assignments.

Books and Resources for this Week:

Books
Reference	Instruction
Williams, L., Edwards, T. M., Patterson, J., & Chamow, L. (2011) Essential assessment skills for couple and family therapist	Read Chapter 9
Sperry, L. (2012) Family assessment: Contemporary and cutting-edge strategies	Read Chapter 8

Articles
Reference	Instruction
Epstein, N. B., Baldwin, L. M., & Bishop, D. S. (1983). The McMaster Family Assessment Device. McMaster Family Assessment Device – FAD.pdf.pdf	Read Article
Epstein, N.B., Bishop, D. S., & Levin, S. (1978) The McMaster Model of Family Functioning. McMaster Model of Family Functioning.pdf.pdf	Read Article
Hampson, R., Hulgus, Y., & Beavers, W. (1991). Comparisons of self-report measures of the Beavers Systems Model and Olson’s Circumplex Model. http://proxy1.ncu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pdh&AN=1991-20204-001&site=ehost-live	Read Article
Miller, I. W., Epstein, N. B., Bishop, D. S., & Keitner, G. I. (1985). The McMaster Family Assessment Device McMaster Family Assessment Device- Reliability and Validity.pdf.pdf	Read Article
Olson, D.H., & Gorall, D.M. (2003). Circumplex model of marital and family systems circumplex_article.pdf.pdf	Read Article

Document/OtherReferenceInstruction

FACES Assessment
FACES III and scoring instructions.pdf.pdf

Review Document

FAD Assessment
FAD Assessment and Scoring Instructions.pdf.pdf

Review Document

SFI Assessment
SFI- Assessment and Scoring Instructions.pdf.pdf

Review Document

Week 6 Assignment: Family Assessments Comparison

Activity Description

To complete the assignment, you will need to use the Family Assessment Device (FAD), the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES), and the Self-Report Family Inventory (SFI). You will complete each of the three measures with respect to your own family of origin. You may use your nuclear family (e.g., partner, children) or your family of origin (you and your parents). If using your family of origin, respond to each item as if you were at the age when you were still living with your family of origin. Alternatively, when possible, you might consider asking one of your siblings to complete at least one of the measures.

Once you have completed each of the assessments use the scoring instructions to score the responses. Then, for each measure, write a Clinical Assessment Report (CAR) using the template in the “Resources” section of the course page. Copy and paste the CARs into one document. Write a brief 1 to 2 page synopsis of your experience of using each of the measures and compare and contrast the usefulness of each with the others. In addition briefly (1 to 2 pages) address the following questions.

1. The Circumplex, Beavers, and McMaster models all include specific principles that the authors of each suggest are indicative of what is normal in marriage and family life. What are your responses to these chapters and articles and the ideas that are presented about what is “normal”?
2. Finally, what are the pros and cons of defining “normal” at all?

Submit this document (do not submit the actual results (item by item) of the measures or the actual assessments).

Your final document should be 5 to 10 pages in length:

1. CAR’s for FACES – 1 to 2 pages.
2. CAR’s for SFI – 1 to 2 pages.
3. CAR’s for FAD – 1 to 2 pages.
4. Synopsis of using the instruments and compare and contrast instruments – 1 to 2 pages.
5. Addressing the 2 activity specific questions above – 1 to 2 pages.

Upload your assignment using the Upload Assignment button.

Learning Outcomes

1.0 Distinguish the nature and uses of psychological tests, addressing the unique features of the systems-based assessment.

3.0 Critique the usefulness of specific individual, couple, and family assessments.

4.0 Implement systems theory and systemic thinking into the process of family assessment.

5.0 Appraise the validity of the definitions of what is “normal” in family life that are given in established theories of family functioning that underlie common family assessments.

 

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