Description

The Family Expressiveness Questionnaire [FEQ-40] is a psychological assessment tool designed to measure the level and type of emotional expressiveness within family settings. It assesses how family members express emotions, both verbally and non-verbally, and how these expressions impact family dynamics. The questionnaire covers various dimensions of emotional expression, including the frequency, intensity, and types of emotions expressed by family members.

Data Analysis and Usage

Data Collection: The FEQ-40 consists of 40 items that respondents complete based on their experiences and observations of emotional expressiveness within their family. Responses are typically rated on a Likert scale, ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.”
Data Processing: Responses are scored and analyzed to calculate overall expressiveness scores as well as scores for specific dimensions of emotional expression (e.g., positive vs. negative expressiveness, verbal vs. non-verbal).
Data Interpretation: Analysis of the scores helps to identify patterns in how emotions are expressed within the family. It can reveal areas where emotional expression is particularly strong or weak, and how these patterns influence family relationships and dynamics.
Application: The findings from the FEQ-40 can be used by therapists, counselors, and researchers to understand family communication patterns, assess emotional health, and design interventions aimed at improving family relationships and emotional well-being.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Family Expressiveness Questionnaire [FEQ-40] are:
Assessment of Emotional Expression: To measure the extent and nature of emotional expressiveness within the family, including both verbal and non-verbal communication.
Understanding Family Dynamics: To gain insights into how emotional expression affects family interactions and relationships.
Identification of Areas for Improvement: To identify areas where emotional expression may be lacking or problematic, allowing for targeted interventions to improve family communication and emotional health.
Support and Intervention: To provide data that can inform therapeutic practices and support strategies aimed at enhancing emotional expressiveness and overall family functioning.

Calibration

Scoring: Each item on the FEQ-40 is scored based on the respondent’s answers. Scores are aggregated to create an overall measure of family expressiveness and can also be broken down into specific dimensions or subscales.
Statistical Analysis: The reliability and validity of the questionnaire are assessed using statistical methods. This includes internal consistency checks (e.g., Cronbach’s alpha) and factor analysis to ensure that the scale accurately measures the intended constructs.
Normative Data: Responses may be compared to normative data to understand how an individual family’s emotional expressiveness compares to that of a broader population. This helps contextualize the results and identify areas for further exploration or intervention.

Bibliography

Halberstadt, A. G., & Craig, J. L. (2002). Emotional expression in families: A review of the research. In N. J. S. W. Schaie (Ed.), Handbook of the Psychology of Aging (pp. 452-469). Academic Press.
Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change. Guilford Press.
Roisman, G. I., Collins, N. L., Sroufe, L. A., & Egeland, B. (2005). Attachment and the dynamics of internal representations. In J. Cassidy & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of Attachment: Theory, Research, and Clinical Applications (pp. 312-343). Guilford Press.
Gottman, J. M., & Levenson, R. W. (1999). The timing of divorce: The role of emotional expression. In J. L. R. Kanfer & R. K. M. Johnson (Eds.), Handbook of Family Psychology (pp. 425-438). Academic Press.