Description

The Adolescent-Family Inventory of Life Events and Changes (A-FILE) is a psychological assessment tool designed to evaluate the impact of life events and changes on adolescents and their families. This inventory assesses various types of life events that can affect the adolescent’s emotional and psychological well-being, as well as the family dynamics.

Scope: The A-FILE examines a wide range of life events and changes, including family transitions, personal challenges, and significant life events.

Dimensions: It includes items related to different types of life changes such as family relocation, parental divorce, academic stress, and peer relationships.

Data Analysis and Usage

The analysis and usage of data from the A-FILE involve:

Data Collection: Administering the inventory to adolescents and their families to gather information on recent life events and changes.

Scoring: Assigning scores based on the reported frequency and impact of various life events. Each item is rated for its significance and the degree of change it has caused.

Interpretation: Analyzing the scores to determine how life events and changes are affecting the adolescent and family dynamics. This can help in identifying stressors and areas needing support.

Application: Using the results to develop intervention strategies, counseling plans, and support systems to address the identified issues and help the adolescent and family cope more effectively.

Objectives

The main objectives of the Adolescent-Family Inventory of Life Events and Changes (A-FILE) are:

Assessment of Impact: To evaluate how various life events and changes are impacting the adolescent’s mental health and family relationships.

Identification of Stressors: To identify specific life events that may be contributing to stress or difficulties for the adolescent and their family.

Support Planning: To guide the development of targeted interventions and support mechanisms to help the adolescent and family manage and adapt to life changes.

Calibration

The calibration of the Adolescent-Family Inventory of Life Events and Changes (A-FILE) includes:

Scoring: Each life event is rated based on its perceived impact and frequency. The scores are compiled to provide an overall assessment of the impact of life changes.

Statistical Analysis: Analyzing the data for reliability and validity of the inventory. This involves comparing scores to normative data to ensure accurate assessment.

Normative Data: Using comparative data from similar populations to interpret individual scores and understand the relative impact of life events.

Bibliography

Moos, R. H., & Moos, B. S. (1994). Family Environment Scale Manual.

Holmbeck, G. N. (1996). Postdivorce Adjustment and the Role of Life Events.

Compas, B. E., Orosan, P. G., & Grant, K. E. (1993). Coping with Stress during Childhood and Adolescence: Progress, Problems, and Prospects.

Cohen, S., & Williamson, G. (1988). Perceived Stress in a Probability Sample of the United States.

Garber, J., & Weersing, V. R. (2010). The Role of Stress and Life Events in Depression.