Evidence-based assessment in pediatric psychology: family measures

To provide a review of the evidence base of family measures relevant to pediatric psychology.

Twenty-nine family measures were selected based upon endorsement by Division 54 listserv members, expert judgment, and literature review. Spanning observational and self-report methods, the measures fell into three broad assessment categories: Family functioning, Dyadic family relationships, and Family functioning in the context of childhood chronic health conditions. Measures were categorized as: "Well-established", "Approaching well-established", or "Promising."

Nineteen measures met "well-established" criteria and the remaining ten were "approaching well-established." "Well-established" measures were documented for each of the broad assessment categories named above.

Many measures deemed "well-established" in the general population are proving to be reliable and useful in pediatric samples. More evidence of the validity of family measures is needed in this context. This review should prove helpful to clinicians and researchers as they strive to make evidence-based decisions regarding family measures.