Preliminary reliability and validity of a family caregiver conflict scale for stroke.
Recovery from stroke is a challenging process for stroke survivors and their families. Assessing family conflict may be useful in guiding interventions to reduce caregiver distress. The purpose of this study was to assess preliminary reliability and validity data for a 15-item family caregiver conflict scale [FCCS] for stroke. Construct validity was assessed using subscales from the family assessment device: communication, problem solving, general family functioning, and a perceived criticism scale. Data were pooled from three studies of caregivers of stroke survivors (total N=93). Internal consistency for the FCCS was adequate (>0.70). Higher family conflict was related to more ineffective family communication, general family functioning, and higher perceived criticism (p > or =0.05). Nonspouse caregivers reported more family conflict than spouse caregivers. The FCCS appears to have adequate internal consistency and construct validity and may provide information about family conflicts around stroke recovery and direction for family-focused interventions.
Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Room 306, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322-4207, USA. pcclark@emory.edu
Patricia C
PC
Clark
Cleveland G
CG
Shields
Dawn
D
Aycock
Steven L
SL
Wolf
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D011340:Problem Solving; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology