Description

The “Family Relationship Characteristics” (FRC) is a scale designed to assess the characteristics of relationships within the family. This scale examines various aspects of family relationships, including levels of communication, support, mutual understanding, conflicts, and the overall quality of family relationships. Its aim is to provide a comprehensive picture of family dynamics, helping to understand the impact of these dynamics on individual psychological conditions.

Objective

The primary objective of the FRC is to provide a tool for evaluating the characteristics of family relationships, which can be used to understand the dynamics within the family and their effects on the mental and emotional well-being of family members. The information collected through the FRC can be used to develop interventions aimed at improving family relationships, preventing conflicts, and promoting a supportive family atmosphere.

Analysis

The analysis of the data collected through the FRC involves the use of statistical methods to assess the reliability and validity of the tool. The reliability of the FRC is examined using Cronbach’s alpha to ensure the internal consistency of the questions. Factor analysis is used to confirm the structure of the questionnaire and to identify the underlying dimensions of family relationships. Additionally, correlation analysis can be used to examine the relationship of FRC scores with other psychological and social variables, such as mental health, life satisfaction, and family well-being.

Calibration

The FRC is typically calibrated using a 5-point Likert scale, where participants are asked to rate each statement from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Total scores are calculated by summing the scores of the individual statements related to each dimension of family relationships. Higher scores indicate better quality and more positive characteristics in family relationships, while lower scores may indicate problems or lower quality in family relationships.

References

Furman, W., & Buhrmester, D. (1985). “Children’s perceptions of the qualities of sibling and peer relationships.” Child Development, 56(2), 448-461.

Minuchin, S. (1974). Families and Family Therapy. Harvard University Press.

Grotevant, H. D., & Cooper, C. R. (1986). “Patterns of interaction in family relationships and adolescent identity development.” Developmental Psychology, 22(1), 108-115.

McMaster, K. K., & Schaefer, E. S. (1996). “The McMaster Family Assessment Device: An Overview.” In M. A. Rutter & E. J. Bricker (Eds.), Understanding Family Processes: Basics of Family Systems Theory (pp. 134-150). Guilford Press.

Reiss, D. (1981). The Family’s Construction of Reality: A Context for Psychiatric Disorder. Harvard University Press.