Psychometric properties of the FACES IV package for Spanish adolescents

The family plays an essential role in the life of an adolescent. Hence, an acceptable understanding and an evaluation of family functioning is fundamental for effective interventions with adolescents in the psychological, social, and educational fields. The main purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES IV), the Family Communication Scale (FCS), and the Family Satisfaction Scale (FSS), for assessing the family functioning of Spanish adolescents. The sample was comprised of 1187 adolescents between 14 ?18 years old (49.96% boys and 50.04% girls; M = 16.17; SD = 1.31) from Castile and Leon (Spain), selected from 23 educational centers, 10 university degree courses, and 18 specific juvenile centers for adolescents with either family or behavioral problems. The scales of Balanced Cohesion, Balanced Flexibility and Disengaged showed good convergent validity, while Enmeshed, Rigid, and Chaotic did not. For this reason some items were removed, obtaining a shortened version of FACES IV, that demonstrated acceptable reliability, and good convergent and predictive validity. The FCS and FSS scales yielded excellent psychometric properties. The results confirmed the factorial structure of the FACES IV, its transcultural applicability, and its validity for different ages. The hypotheses of the circumplex model were confirmed, except for the dysfunctionality of two scales, Enmeshed and Rigid, that contrary to what was expected, showed positive correlations with Family Communication, Family Satisfaction, Balanced Cohesion, and Balanced Flexibility. In brief, our results present the FACES IV package as a useful instrument for the assessment of family functioning of Spanish adolescents. Future studies will be necessary to confirm the trend observed for the two aforementioned scales among adolescents. (AU)

Análisis psicométrico de la Escala de Satisfacción Familiar de Wilson y Olson en una muestra de trabajadores de Arequipa / Psychometric analysis of Wilson and Olson's Family Satisfaction scale in a sample of workers from Arequipa

Resumen: En este trabajo se realizó un análisis psicométrico de la Escala de Satisfacción Familiar de Olson y Wilson en una muestra de 274 trabajadores de la ciudad de Arequipa, con la finalidad de valorar su estructura factorial y ofrecer un instrumento válido y confiable para evaluar la funcionalidad familiar en contextos laborales. Los resultados indican que la dimensión de Cohesión cuenta con un índice de confiabilidad de a = 0,858 y la dimensión de Adaptabilidad de a = 0,848. Asimismo el análisis factorial confirmatorio revela indicadores de bondad de ajuste adecuados, que confirman la estructura bifactorial de la prueba. También se ofrecen baremos con percentiles en tres niveles (bajo, moderado y alto) de la funcionali dad familiar, que permitirán valorar el sistema familiar como factor de riesgo psicosocial en el trabajo.

Abstract: In this work we made a psychometric analysis about Olson and Wilson's Family Satisfaction Scale in a sample of 274 workers from Arequipa City, in order to value its factor structure and offer a valid and reliable instrument to test the family functionability in organi zational contexts. The results indicate that the dimension of Cohesion has an index of reliability of a= 0.858, and the dimension of Adaptability has a reliability index of a= 0.848. Moreover, the confirmatory factor analysis reveal indicators of adequate good fit ness index, which confirm the bifactorial structure of the test. Finally, we show percentiles in three levels, about the family functionability, so they could allow the evaluation of family as a factor of psychosocial risk at work.

Validez y confiabilidad de la Escala Satisfacción Familiar en estudiantes universitarios de Lima Metropolitana, Perú / Validity and Reliability of the Family Satisfaction Scale in University Students of Lima, Peru

Resumen La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Satisfacción Familiar (FSS) en una muestra de 607 estudiantes de una universidad privada en Lima Metropolitana, con edades que oscilan entre 16 a 28 años. Se tradujo la escala con el método de traducción inversa; se realizaron análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio, identificando valores óptimos para una solución unifactorial. Asimismo, se analizó la relación con la variable comunicación familiar, que señala una correlación positiva, directa y con un tamaño del efecto moderado. En el análisis de invarianza según sexo, se encontró un nivel de invarianza débil. Finalmente, se reportan valores óptimos de confiabilidad. Se concluye que la FSS presenta evidencias de validez y confiabilidad, recomendando su uso.

Abstrac The present study is an instrumental research that aims to analyze the psychometric properties of the family satisfaction scale (FSS) in a sample of 607 students from a private university in Lima Metropolitana, aged between 16 and 28 years old. The scale was translated with the inverse method. An exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was performed, identifying optimal values for a unifactorial solution. The relationship with the family communication variable was analyzed in a positive, direct and moderated effect size. In the analysis of invariance according to sex, it indicated a weak level of invariance. Finally, optimal values of reliability are reported. It is concluded that the FSS presents evidence of validity and reliability, its use being recommended.

Análisis factorial de las escalas FACES (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales) con familias en situación de riesgo psicosocial / Factor analysis of FACES (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales) with Families at Psychosocial Risk

Resumen En este artículo se presenta un análisis factorial de las escalas FACES III con una muestra de familias en situación de riesgo psicosocial (N= 324). Los resultados no replican la estructura bidimensional original de la prueba, e indican que solo la escala de cohesión (prescindiendo de tres ítems) obtiene propiedades psicométricas aceptables en esta muestra. Las significativas relaciones de las puntuaciones de esta escala con las de otras dimensiones relevantes del microsistema familiar ofrecen algunas evidencias de la validez de esta solución. Se discute la necesidad de revisar la escala de adaptabilidad propuesta por los autores y reformularla para poder evaluar empíricamente este constructo formulado teóricamente desde el modelo circumplejo del funcionamiento familiar.

Abstract In this article a factor analysis of FACES III with a sample of families at psychosocial risk (N= 324) is presented. The original two-factor structure is not found, and only the cohesion scale (deleting three items) shows adequate psychometric properties with this sample. Significant correlations between the obtained scale and other dimensions of family dynamics (i.e., family self-esteem, parenting alliance and marital satisfaction) evidence validity. The need for reviewing and reformulating the adaptability scale proposed by the authors is discussed, in order to empirically evaluate this theoretical construct from the circumplex model of family functioning.

Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Comunicación Familiar en estudiantes universitarios / Psychometric Properties of the Family Communication Scale in College Students

Resumen: El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Comunicación Familiar (FCS) en una muestra de 491 estudiantes de una universidad privada en Lima Metropolitana, cuyas edades oscilan entre 16 y 28 años (M = 20.31, DE = 3.08). La muestra se dividió en dos grupos proporcionales. En el primero se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio, χ² (45) = 966.8, p < .001, n = 246, para comparar los índices de bondad de ajuste en modelos de uno, dos y tres factores y encontrar un mejor ajuste en una solución unifactorial GFI = .99, RMCR = .06. Posteriormente, en el segundo grupo, se llevó a cabo el análisis factorial confirmatorio al comparar soluciones de uno, dos y tres factores. Se evidenció un mejor ajuste en un modelo de una dimensión χ² = 80.31; χ²/gl = 2.36; CFI = 1.00; GFI = .995; AGFI = .992; RMSEA = .000; RMR = .050 (n = 245). Se analizaron los errores del modelo y la inva rianza por sexo y, finalmente, se estableció la confiabilidad con diferentes estimadores del alfa. Se obtuvo un alto nivel de consistencia interna. Se concluye que la FCS presenta adecuadas propiedades psicomé tricas, que apoyan su uso como instrumento de evaluación de la comunicación familiar en universitarios.

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to analyze the psychometric properties of the Family Communication Scale (FCS) in a sample of 491 students at a private university in Lima, Peru, aged between 16 and 28 years (χ² = 20.31, SD = 3.08). The sample was divided into two proportional groups. In the first, an exploratory factor analysis was made: χ² (45) = 966.8, p < .000, n = 246; extracting one dimension by the parallel analysis method, GFI = .99, RMCR = .06. Later, in the second group, a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted: χ² = 80.31; χ²/d.f. = 2.36; CFI = 1.00; GFI = .995; AGFI = .992; RMSEA = .000; RMR = .050 (n = 245), suitably adjusted to a single dimension. Model errors and gender invariance were analyzed and finally a reliability alpha was established with different estimators, obtaining a high level of internal consistency. We conclude that the FCS presents adequate psychometric properties that support its use as an assessment tool for family communication in college.

Estrutura circular do checklist de relações interpessoais-II: considerações a partir dos dados de um processo seletivo / Considerations about checklist of interpersonal transactions structure: a selective process data

As representações circulares podem ser classificadas como quasi-circumplexas, quando apresentam características de bidimensionalidade, ou seja, as variáveis se reduzem a duas dimensões, e de raio constante. Nessa perspectiva, o presente estudo objetivou investigar o ajuste dos dados coletados por meio do Checklist de Relações Interpessoais-II (CLOIT-II) ao modelo quasi-circumplexo a partir de uma análise confirmatória em uma amostra de candidatos a vagas de emprego. Para realizar o teste da estrutura foi feito o escalonamento multidimensional confirmatório. Usando pares de coordenadas de cada segmento do círculo, as escalas tiveram seus lugares estabelecidos no espaço euclidiano. Com vistas a investigar o ajuste ao critério de raio constante foi aplicado o teste de Fisher. Os resultados apontaram ajuste ao modelo quasi-circumplexo. Com isto, concluiu-se que o CLOIT-II é uma ferramenta com características positivas para o uso no âmbito da seleção de pessoal

The circular representations can be labeled quasi-circumplex when they show to dimensional characteristics, that is, the variables are reduced to two dimensions and a constant radius. From this perspective, the present study aimed to investigate the suitability of data collected through the Checklist of Interpersonal Transactions-II (CLOIT-II) to quasi-circumplex model through a confirmatory analysis of a sample of candidates to jobs. To perform the test of the structure it was carried out a confirmatory multidimensional scaling. Using pairs of coordinates of each circle segment, the scales had their places set into the euclidean space. The Fisher test was applied in order to investigate the adjustment to constant radius criterion. The results showed adjustment to quasi-circumplex model. Thus, it was concluded that the CLOIT-II is a tool with positive characteristics for use in the context of personal selection

Sons and daughters' perception of parents as a couple: distinguishing characteristics of a measurement model / A percepção dos filhos sobre a conjugalidade dos pais: características distintas de um modelo de medida

Perceptions and memories that youths may have of their parents' marital relationship were addressed by a self-report questionnaire, composed by 26 Likert scale items which were taken to constitute the "Perception of Parents as a Couple" instrument. Answers from 1,612 male and female youths produced a matrix of non-negative correlations. The sample was randomly split into calibrating and validating subsamples of 806 people each. Exploratory factor and principal component analyses present a circular plot of loading s after the first and second extractions. In the latter, pairs of similar magnitude, but of opposing signs, not only convey theoretical meaning, but also entail an order - Guttman's circular law of order. A specification search, through a confirmatory factor analysis, performed under a measurement model presenting three pairs of opposing-signs and cross-loaded variables, generated a downward chi-square value for each indicated parameter respecification. Following that ordered list top-down, ten other items were specified to cross-load in the model. Once tested, running the validating subsample data, satisfactory fit indices were obtained. We propose the Mõbius strip as a functional analogue to model this kind of circular ordering. Finally, we nominate two theoretical orientations for further research on the explanation of results - the generational psychic transmission reviewed in the introduction contrasted to the cognitive unconscious theory.

Percepções e memórias que os jovens tenham das relações conjugais de seus pais foram investigadas por um questionário auto-aplicável, no qual 26 itens tipo Likert constituíram o instrumento sobre a Percepção dos Pais na Conjugalidade. Respostas de 1.612 jovens adultos produziram uma matriz de correlações não-negativas. A amostra foi dividida aleatoriamente em subamostras de calibração e de validação, com 806 pessoas cada. Análises exploratórias fatoriais e de componentes principais apresentam um gráfico de cargas de forma circular, após a primeira e a segunda extração. Nesta última, pares de magnitude similar, mas de sinais opostos, não apenas expressam significado teórico, mas acarretam uma ordem - a lei da ordem circular de Guttman. Uma busca de especificação, por meio de análise fatorial confirmatória executada sob um modelo de medida apresentando três pares de variáveis de carga cruzada e sinais opostos, apresentou um valor de qui-quadrado, classificado do maior para o menor, para cada re-especificação de parâmetro indicada. Seguindo esta lista de cima para baixo, mais dez itens foram especificados para cruzamento de carga no modelo. Uma vez testado, processando os dados da subamostra de validação, resultam índices de ajuste satisfatórios. Propomos a fita de Mõbius como um análogo funcional para modelar esse tipo de ordenação circular. Finalmente, nomeamos duas orientações teóricas para a pesquisa posterior acerca da explanação dos resultados - a transmissão psíquica geracional revista na introdução, contrastada com a teoria do inconsciente cognitivo.

Afetos no ambiente de trabalho: é possível identificar uma estrutura circumplex? / Affects in the work environment: is it possible to identify a circumplex structure?

Este estudo objetivou conhecer a estrutura dos afetos vivenciados em ambientes de trabalho, avaliando a adequação de um modelo circumplex. Participaram 678 profissionais de áreas distintas, a maioria do sexo feminino (65,3%), com idade média de 34,5 anos. Com a finalidade de testar a estrutura bidimensional, realizou-se um escalonamento multidimensional (ALSCAL). Os resultados indicaram a adequação desse modelo (S-stress = 0,028 e RSQ = 0,99), apresentando as seguintes dimensões: prazer baixo e alto e ativação baixa e alta. Checou-se ainda a adequação da estrutura circumplex (máxima verossimilhança), testando três modelos com diferentes restrições. O RMSEA foi utilizado como índice de ajuste dos modelos. Apesar de não ter sido confirmada a estrutura circumplex, observaram-se evidências de um modelo quasi-circumplex. Concluindo, foi possível identificar um modelo bidimensional dos afetos no trabalho, mas não uma estrutura circumplex. Recomenda-se replicar este estudo, modificando a medida dos afetos.

This study investigated the structure of affects experienced in work environments, evaluating the adequacy of a circumplex model. The participants were 678 professionals from a variety of work fields, most of them female (65.3%), with a mean age of 34.5 years. To test the two-dimensional structure, a multidimensional scaling was performed (ALSCAL). Results indicated the suitability of this model (S-stress = 0.028 and RSQ = 0.99), showing the following dimensions: low and high-pleasure and low and high-arousal. The adequacy of the circumplex (maximum likelihood) model was also tested by three models with different restrictions. RMSEA was used as a goodness-of-fit index of these models. Although the circumplex structure was not confirmed, evidence of a quasi-circumplex model was observed. In conclusion, a two-dimensional model of affects in the workplace was identified, but a circumplex structure was not observed. A recommendation is to replicate the current study, changing the measure of affects.

Analysis of Family Function and Mental Health State for Low-income Middle-aged Women / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the types of family function and mental health in low-income middle aged women using the circumplex model. METHOD: A descriptive research design was used. A sample of 116 low income middle aged women participated in the study. The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale III was used to measure the types of family function. Mental health was measured by the SCL. RESULTS: The types of family function identified were balance family (59.4%), extreme family (25.9%), and mid-range family (14.7%). Significant differences were found in mental health by the family cohesion (F=3.44, p=.019) and family adaptability (F=3.31, p=.023). The mental health status of extreme family was better than mid-range family and balanced family, but such result was not statistically significant (F=0.25, p=.783). CONCLUSION: The Circumplex model's main hypothesis was not empirically supported that extreme family has more problematic than mid-range family and balance family. These findings emphasize the need for the development of a family system model for Korean family.

Family Function and Successful Aging for Vulnerable Elderly Based on Circumplex Model / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to identify the relationships between family function and successful aging of vulnerable elderly using the circumplex model. METHODS: The participants were the elderly (N=401) who were over 65 years old living in H city under the National Livelihood Security Act. Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale III and Successful Aging Instrument were used. RESULTS: The family function perceived by the study subjects was average 43.20 +/- 16.62 out of maximum 100 points. According to the analysis on family types suggested by circumplex model, there were 183 people for balance family (45.6%) and 218 people (54.4%) for extreme family. The total points on successful aging were 1.67 +/- 0.37 out of 3 points. When the difference in points on the Successful Aging instrument were analyzed according to the scores on the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale those points of the balanced family were statistically significant (t=2.087, p=.038). CONCLUSION: In case of the balanced family type, the level of perceiving successful aging was relatively higher. For the improvement of family function, it is advised that the successful aging perception among vulnerable elderly can be uplifted through a program that enables effective communication with other family members.

Propriedades psicométricas do checklist de relações interpessoais: revisado / Psychometrics properties of the checklist of interpersonal transactions: revised

Nos modelos bidimensionais, o circumplexo refere-se às implicações geométricas em matrizes de correlações nas quais um grupo de correlações sistematicamente aumenta e outro diminui. Ele pode representar um mapa de vários traços da personalidade, classificando-lhes lado ao lado, sem impor uma hierarquia. O Círculo Interpessoal de Kiesler é constituído por dois eixos, Poder e Afiliação, em volta dos quais os comportamentos interpessoais se agrupam em dezesseis categorias que são diferentes combinações de Dominação-Submissão e de Amabilidade-Hostilidade sendo posições propostas para os padrões de interação. Juntas elas representam todas as possibilidades de combinar as duas dimensões. O objetivo desse estudo foi explorar as propriedades psicométricas do CLOIT-R, um inventário de personalidade desenvolvido para avaliar o Círculo de Kiesler. Participaram da pesquisa 622 estudantes do estado de Minas Gerais e interior de São Paulo, os alunos foram convidados a participar e instruídos a responder ao teste. Foi realizada uma análise fatorial exploratória pelo método dos componentes principais com rotação varimax entre os escores nas dezesseis escalas. Os parâmetros para composição dos fatores foram eigenvalues iguais ou maiores que um e carga fatorial acima de 0,50. A distribuição das escalas em três fatores e sua representação no espaço tridimensional indicaram uma ordem circular para as escalas. Os valores observados para a precisão do instrumento demonstram que tanto o inventário quanto as escalas derivadas, apresentaram adequados índices de precisão. Porém, para as escalas principais, existe a necessidade de mais estudos com amostras diferentes e procedimentos diferentes de estimação sobre seus itens.

The Subscapular Artery and Its Relationship with the Brachial Plexus / 대한해부학회지

The change of arising site of branches from the axillary artery determines it's topographic relationship with the brachial plexus because of closeness between the artery and the plexus. Variation of the subscapular artery (SSA) should be concerned when it is used for the source artery of some flaps, especially focusing on the variation of branching pattern and site of origin and relationships with the brachial plexus. In some cases of absence of SSA, if the circumflex scapular and the thoracodorsal arteries arise from the variable portion of the axillary artery separately, they might change the relationships with the brachial plexus. This study was performed to clarify the relationships between the subscapular artery and the brachial plexus according to the variation of the origin of the SSA and its branch. Two hundred seventeen axillae from 110 Korean cadavers were used for this study. SSA was found in 87.1% of cases, while in 12.9%, the circumflex scapular and the thoracodorsal arteries arose from the axillary artery (AA) seperately. SSA arose most frequently from the third part of the AA (63.6%), and in 4/5 of these cases, it ran behind the radial and ulnar nerves. When it arose from the second part (18.9%) or from the first part (4.6%) of AA, it mostly ran over anterior to the medial cord or/and the ulnar nerve. In 41.9% of the cases, a posterior circumflex humeral artery made a common trunk with the SSA or came from the circumflex scapular artery. In 28.1% of the materials, the SSA made a common trunk with a lateral thoracic artery especially when it arose from the first or second part of AA. After running a mean distance of 2.2 cm from AA, SSA was divided into the circumflex scapular and the thoracodorsal arteies. The SSA gave off the branches to the subscapularis in 68.7% of the cases, and the branches to the serratus anterior in 76.0%.

The Analysis of the Family Function and Family Type of Kidney Transplant Recipients / 성인간호학회지

The main purpose of this study was to characterize and classify families of KT recipients and to identify family adaptability and cohesion, as family function, by the Circumplex model. A Cross-sectional survey approach was employed for this research project. The data was collected by the questionnaire method in 3 general hospitals in Seoul and Kyonggi-do, Korea. The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales III was used. By Convenient sampling, a total of 190 subjects (Male 117, Female 73) with an average age of 39.7 years (range: 18-62 yrs.) participated. The mean age at transplantation was 36.8 yrs. (SD: 9.4 yrs.). On an average, the patients had received transplants 39.9 months previously. The data was analyzed by percentage of frequency, t-test, and one-way ANOVA by the SPSS program. The results were as follows: 1. The mean family adaptability score was 30.26(SD: 6.6, range: 12-49) and the mean family cohesion score was 34.96(SD: 6.5, range: 15-48). 2. All of 16 distinct types of family system were identified. Among them, 'Flexibly connected types' (32 families, 16.8%) were the most common and 'chaotically disengaged types' (2 families, 1.1%) were the least common. 3. Dividing the 16 unit typology into 3 basic groups of types, 'Balanced types' composed 88 families (46.3%), 'Mid-range types' composed 76 families (40.0%), and 'extreme types' composed 26 families (13.7%). 4. The family adaptation differed according to age, education level, marital status, the diagnostic age of CRF, and level of recipient's perception of the family's importance. The family cohesion differed according to age, employment status, number of kid, and level of recipient's perception of the family's importance. In conclusion, by providing nursing intervention designed to increase family adaptability and cohesion, considering the socio-demographic factors of recipient and family, nurses may improve the recipient's family function and health, and also the recipient's health and quality of life.