Week 6 Assignment: Family Assessments Comparison
Family AssessmentsIn
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)The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES)Olson, D. E., & Gorall, D. M. (2003). Circumplex model of marital and family systems.Self-report Family Inventory (SFI; based on the Beavers model)The Dallas Self-report Family Inventory (SFI)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)The Family Assessment Device (FAD)Epstein, N.B., Bishop, D. S., & Levin, S. (1978). The McMaster Model of Family Functioning.Epstein, N. B., Baldwin, L. M., & Bishop, D. S. (1983). The McMaster Family Assessment Device.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: BooksReferenceInstructionWilliams, L., Edwards, T. M., Patterson, J., & Chamow, L. (2011) Essential assessment skills for couple and family therapistRead Chapter 9Sperry, L. (2012) Family assessment: Contemporary and cutting-edge strategiesRead Chapter 8ArticlesReferenceInstructionEpstein, N. B., Baldwin, L. M., & Bishop, D. S. (1983). The McMaster Family Assessment Device.
McMaster Family Assessment Device - FAD.pdf.pdfRead ArticleEpstein, N.B., Bishop, D. S., & Levin, S. (1978) The McMaster Model of Family Functioning.
McMaster Model of Family Functioning.pdf.pdfRead ArticleHampson,
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-liveRead ArticleMiller, I. W., Epstein, N. B., Bishop, D. S., & Keitner, G. I. (1985). The McMaster Family Assessment DeviceMcMaster Family Assessment Device- Reliability and Validity.pdf.pdfRead ArticleOlson, D.H., & Gorall, D.M. (2003). Circumplex model of marital and family systemscircumplex_article.pdf.pdfRead Article Document/OtherReferenceInstructionFACES Assessment FACES III and scoring instructions.pdf.pdfReview DocumentFAD AssessmentFAD Assessment and Scoring Instructions.pdf.pdfReview DocumentSFI AssessmentSFI- Assessment and Scoring Instructions.pdf.pdfReview 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.
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"?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:
CAR's for FACES - 1 to 2 pages.CAR's for SFI - 1 to 2 pages.CAR's for FAD - 1 to 2 pages.Synopsis of using the instruments and compare and contrast instruments - 1 to 2 pages.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.