A Spanish version of the Family Assessment Device.
BACKGROUND
This paper presents the results of a study on the psychometric properties of an authorized Spanish version of the McMaster Family Assessment Device, a self-report measure of family functioning.


METHODS
The study sample comprised 60 psychiatric patients and their family member and 60 controls, without mental health problems, and their family member.


RESULTS
Compared to other studies, all subscales displayed adequate temporal stability and acceptable reliability. While the instrument discriminated well between the two groups of families on all subscales, the results nevertheless indicated limitations in the inter-item discriminant capacity of the "Roles" subscale. Factor analysis resulted in a three-factor model that does not coincide with the established structure of this instrument.


CONCLUSIONS
Proposals to improve and adapt questionnaire are discussed with a view to make it applicable to cultures other than the one it was developed. Theoretical models relating to psychosocial aspects such as family functioning, albeit compatible in some areas, should be viewed with caution in cultures different to that in which the model originates.
Barroilhet
Sergio
S
Escuela de Psicología, Universidad de los Andes, Av. San Carlos de Apoquindo 2200, Santiago, Chile. sbarroilhet@uandes.cl
Cano-Prous
Adrián
A
Cervera-Enguix
Salvador
S
Forjaz
Maria João
MJ
Guillén-Grima
Francisco
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D032763:Behavior Control / Q000523:psychology; D003469:Culture; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D019263:Dysthymic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014177:Translations