Description

The Semi-structured Interview for the Assessment of Emotional Distress in Families (FBI) is a qualitative assessment tool designed to evaluate the emotional distress experienced by family members of individuals with mental disorders or significant physical health problems. The interview is semi-structured, meaning it follows a flexible guide that allows for in-depth exploration of the family members’ experiences, perceptions, and emotional responses.

Data Analysis and Usage

Data Collection: The interview involves a set of predetermined questions, but allows for open-ended responses and follow-up questions based on the participants’ answers. This approach helps to gather detailed and nuanced information about the emotional impact of caring for a person with mental or physical health issues.
Data Processing: Interviews are typically recorded and transcribed for analysis. The data is then coded and categorized to identify common themes, patterns, and specific areas of distress or concern.
Application: The findings can inform support services, interventions, and policies aimed at alleviating emotional distress and improving the well-being of family members. This might include the development of counseling programs, support groups, or resource allocation to assist families.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the FBI are:
Assessment of Emotional Distress: To evaluate and understand the emotional and psychological distress experienced by family members of individuals with mental disorders or physical health issues.
Identification of Needs: To identify specific areas where family members may need additional support, resources, or intervention.
Improvement of Support Services: To use the findings to enhance existing support services or develop new programs that address the unique challenges faced by these families.
Policy Development: To provide data that can inform policies and practices aimed at improving the overall support system for families dealing with mental and physical health problems.

Calibration

Interview Guide: The semi-structured format includes a guide with key topics and questions, but allows for flexibility in exploring issues that arise during the conversation.
Coding and Thematic Analysis: The data from interviews are coded and analyzed thematically to identify key issues and common experiences among participants.
Reliability and Validity: Ensuring the reliability and validity of the data involves training interviewers, standardizing the interview process, and using consistent methods for coding and analysis.

Bibliography

Kvale, S., & Brinkmann, S. (2009). InterViews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing. Sage Publications.
Mason, J. (2002). Qualitative Researching. Sage Publications.
Offers insights into qualitative research methods and data analysis, relevant for understanding how to interpret data from semi-structured interviews.
Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods: Integrating Theory and Practice. Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. Sage Publications.