Family functioning assessed by self-reported and observer-reported ratings of depressed patients and their partners

This study explored subjectively perceived and objectively rated family dysfunction using the self-report Family Assessment Device (FAD) and observer-rated McMaster Clinical Rating Scale (MCRS), respectively. Perceived differences in family functioning ratings between 86 depressed patients and their partners and the degree of agreement between the subjective and objective rating scales were analyzed. There were significant correlations for perceived family functioning between the patients and their partners. There were moderate to significant correlations between patients' perceptions on five of the seven dimensions of the FAD (excluding problem solving and roles) and those dimensions of the MCRS. Findings showed moderate to significant correlations between six dimensions of the FAD and MCRS, excluding problem solving. Results on the FAD and MCRS were significantly correlated and considered equivalent. This suggests that these two instruments can be used individually or in combination to provide a comprehensive understanding of family functioning of couples with a depressed partner.