Brief Description

The Self-Expressiveness in the Family Questionnaire (SEFQ) is a self-report tool developed to assess the degree to which family members express emotions within the family environment. The questionnaire includes 40 items and distinguishes between positive expressiveness (e.g., warmth, support, affection) and negative expressiveness (e.g., anger, criticism, hostility).

Purpose

The SEFQ aims to measure the emotional climate of the family by capturing patterns of emotional expression. It is used in both clinical and research settings to understand family dynamics, inform therapeutic interventions, and explore links between family expressiveness and individual emotional adjustment.

Scoring Method

Participants rate each of the 40 items on a Likert scale, usually from 1 (not at all like my family) to 5 (very much like my family). The responses are grouped into subscales reflecting positive and negative emotional expressiveness. Higher scores on each subscale indicate a greater frequency of that type of expression within the family context.

Validity

The SEFQ has demonstrated good construct and discriminant validity. It has been used extensively in studies examining family systems, parenting styles, and emotional development, showing strong correlations with psychological well-being and interpersonal functioning.

Reliability

Internal consistency is high, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients typically exceeding 0.80 for both subscales. Test-retest reliability is also acceptable, indicating the scale’s stability over time.

Data Analysis and Use

Data are analyzed by calculating total and subscale scores. The results can be used to assess emotional dynamics in families, track changes during therapy, or examine associations with clinical symptoms such as anxiety or depression. The tool is commonly applied in family therapy, developmental research, and parent-child relationship studies.

References

Halberstadt, A. G., Cassidy, J., Stifter, C. A., Parke, R. D., & Fox, N. A. (1995). Self-Expressiveness within the Family Context: Psychometric Support for a New Measure. Psychological Assessment, 7(1), 93–103.
Halberstadt, A. G. (1986). Family socialization of emotional expression and nonverbal communication styles and skills. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51(4), 827–836.