Development of a family assessment instrument for transcultural use.
OBJECTIVE
The article describes challenges related to the transfer of a family assessment instrument, the Assessment of Strategies in Families-Effectiveness (ASF-E), and its theoretical basis to another culture.


METHODS
Instrument development encompassed translation and discussion of theoretical and cultural relevance of the items. Patients from two clinics in Tampere, Finland (N = 196) completed the ASF. Psychometric tests involved factor and reliability analysis.


RESULTS
The theoretical constructs of stability, growth, control and connectedness/spirituality were represented in the factor structure, and reliability ranged from .65 to .83.


CONCLUSIONS
There were cultural differences in the interpretation of certain items. Characteristics of Finnish culture with impact on instrument validity were homogeneity and family emphasis on conflict resolution. Insights contributed to further instrument development and broader understanding of culture.
Friedemann
Marie-Luise
ML
Florida International University, USA.
Astedt-Kurki
Päivi
P
Paavilainen
Eija
E
D003469:Culture; D005190:Family; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016746:Transcultural Nursing / Q000379:methods*