Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES) IV
Developed to assess family functioning based on a theoretical model (“Circumplex Model”) that describes “balanced” levels of 3 dimensions that define a well-functioning family: cohesion, flexibility, and communication. Cohesion=emotional bonding among members; flexibility=ability to adapt with change; communication=ability to alter cohesion and flexibility in response to developmental or situational demands. Substantial psychometric testing across years and translations. Current version is FACES IV; a 24-item Short Form is used as well–previous versions are considered outdated. Used in research and therapeutic settings.
Olson, D., Waldvogel, L., & Schlieff, M. (2019). Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems: An Update. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 11(2), 199–211.
Adapted from: Olson, D. (2011). FACES IV and the Circumplex Model: Validation Study. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 37(1), 64–80.
Short Form: Priest, J.B., Parker, E. O., Hiefner, A., Woods, S. B., & Roberson, P. N. E. (2020). The Development and Validation of the FACES‐IV‐SF. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 46(4), 674–686.
Translations:
Afan Oromo: Megersa, W., & Tefera, B. (2021). Validation of Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES-IV) in Afan Oromo Contexts for Measuring Family Functioning. East African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 6(2), 149-172.
Arabic: Sarour, E. O., & El Keshky, M. E. (2022). Investigating the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the family adaptability and cohesion evaluation scale IV (FACES IV) in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Family Issues, 43(10), 2767-2787.
French: Desautels, J., Lapalme, M., Touchette, L., & Pauzé, R. (2016). Validation de la version française du FACES IV auprès d’une population d’adolescents francophones issus d’un échantillon populationnel et clinique. Thérapie Familiale, 37(1), 95-113. (Article in French)
Greek: Koutra, K., Triliva, S., Roumeliotaki, T., Lionis, C., & Vgontzas, A. N. (2013). Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Greek version of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales IV Package (FACES IV Package). Journal of family Issues, 34(12), 1647-1672.
Italian SF: Everri, Caricati, L., Mancini, T., Messena, M., & Fruggeri, L. (2020). Italian Validation of Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (FACES IV) Short Version for Adolescents: SAD_FACES. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29(9), 2507–2514.
Persian: Mazaheri, M., Habibi, M., & Ashori, A. (2014). Psychometric Properties of Persian Version of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES-IV). Iranian Journal of Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology, 19(4).
Polish: Margasiński, A. (2015). The Polish adaptation of FACES IV-SOR. Polish Journal of Applied Psychology, 13(1), 43-66.
Portuguese: Santos, P. L. D., Bazon, M. R., & Carvalho, A. M. P. (2017). Family adaptability and cohesion evaluation scale IV (FACES IV): adaptação brasileira. Avaliação Psicológica, 16(2), 120-127. (Article in Portuguese)
Slovak: Seboková, G., Jurisová, E., Popelková, M., Uhláriková, J., Zatková, M. (2016). Faktorova Validita A Reliabilita Slovenskej Verzie FACES IV U Adolescentov. Československá psychologie, 60(3), 278. (Article in Slovak)
Spanish: Rivero, N., Martínez-Pampliega, A., & Olson, D. H. (2010). Spanish Adaptation of the FACES IV Questionnaire: Psychometric Characteristics. The Family Journal, 18(3), 288–296.
Turkish: Türkdoğan, T., Duru, E., & Balkıs, M. (2018). Turkish Adaptation of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale IV. International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education, 5(4), 631–644.
Additional information
| Construct | Family functioning |
|---|---|
| Condition | No specific condition |
| Age | Any |
| Country Where Developed | United States |
| Number of Items | 62 |
| Subscales | Cohesion, Communication, Flexibility, Satisfaction |
| Short Form? | Yes |
| Short Form Items | 24 |
| Respondent | Any family members > 12 years of age |
| Language(s) | Afaan Oromo, Arabic, French, Greek, Italian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Spanish, Turkish |
| Cost/Fee | $95 |
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