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Psychometric validation of the depression and family functioning scale
Valerie Williams1, Clément François2, Natalya Danchenko3
1a RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park , NC , USA ;
Current Medical Research and Opinion
|December 25, 2015
Summary
The Depression and Family Functioning Scale (DFFS) reliably measures how major depressive disorder impacts family life. This patient-reported outcome scale shows validity and responsiveness, aiding comprehensive MDD treatment evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychometrics
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) significantly affects interpersonal relationships and family dynamics.
- Existing patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures may not fully capture the impact of MDD on family functioning.
- A validated tool is needed to assess the specific effects of depression on partner and family interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Depression and Family Functioning Scale (DFFS).
- To establish the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the DFFS in patients with MDD.
- To determine the DFFS's utility in assessing depression's impact on family life.
Main Methods:
- A multi-center, prospective, 2-year observational study analyzed DFFS data from 478 patients with MDD at baseline.
- Psychometric properties were assessed using Cronbach's alphas, intra-class correlations, factor analysis, and correlations with established scales (SDS, ASEX, SF-12).
- Discriminatory ability and responsiveness were evaluated through analyses of variance and standardized effect size estimates.
Main Results:
- Principal components analysis supported a single underlying dimension for the DFFS, with high Cronbach's alphas (0.85-0.89).
- Satisfactory test-re-test reliability (intraclass correlation=0.75) and convergent/divergent validity were demonstrated through correlations with other measures.
- The DFFS showed significant correlations with mental health components of the SF-12 and responsiveness with effect sizes ranging from 0.44-0.84.
Conclusions:
- The DFFS is a reliable, valid, and responsive patient-reported outcome measure for assessing the impact of MDD on family functioning.
- The DFFS provides valuable insights into relationship quality and family interactions affected by depression.
- This scale can enhance the evaluation of MDD treatments by capturing information beyond clinical practice.
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