Purpose of the Scale

The purpose of the Functionality and Social Roles Scale (FSRS-4) is to assess the ability of individuals with chronic mental disorders to adapt to social interactions. More specifically, it evaluates their behavior in areas such as employment, independent living, interpersonal relationship development, and participation in social activities.

Scale Analysis

The Functionality and Social Roles Scale (FSRS-4) was developed by McPheeters and Newman in 1980 and consists of four subscales. Initially, scoring is conducted by mental health professionals who must be well-acquainted with the person being assessed. If this is not the case and the individual is undergoing an initial evaluation, the scale can instead be used as a tool in a semi-structured individual interview.
It helps assess the person in four domains: employment/productivity, autonomous living and self-care, development of close interpersonal relationships, and broader social relationships, activities, and interests. In such cases, scoring takes about the same time as a standard psychosocial assessment interview. When the professional already knows the individual well, scoring only takes a few minutes.

Scoring and Statistical Analysis

The mental health professional rates the individual in each domain of the FSRS-4 using a seven-point scale, with descriptive criteria provided for each rating level. Scores for each domain range from 1 (severe dysfunction) to 7 (adequate functionality). Each level includes detailed descriptive indicators that guide the professional’s questions and facilitate accurate scoring.
The total score is the sum of the scores from the four domains and ranges from 4 to 28. A low score indicates severe dysfunction, while a high score reflects overall adequate functioning.

Validity and Reliability

The FSRS-4 was translated into Greek by Tzinieri-Kokkosi et al. (2004) and demonstrates satisfactory validity. Internal consistency reliability for the four domains and the overall score is also satisfactory, ranging from 0.82 to 0.90. Inter-rater reliability across the four domains and the total score ranges from 0.80 to 0.95.

References

McPheeters, H. L. (1984). Statewide mental health outcome evaluation: A perspective of two southern states. Community Mental Health Journal, 20(1), 44–55.
Ventura, J., Welikson, T., Ered, A., Subotnik, K. L., Keefe, R. S., Hellemann, G. S., & Nuechterlein, K. H. (2020). Virtual reality assessment of functional capacity in the early course of schizophrenia: Associations with cognitive performance and daily functioning. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 14(1), 106–114.
Geroulidou, D. Ch. (2019). The levels of anxiety in parents of children with disabilities and/or special educational needs: Correlation with quality of life and life satisfaction.