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A triangulation approach to testing a family instrument
1University of Detroit Mercy, College of Health, USA.
Western Journal of Nursing Research
|June 1, 1997
Summary
The Assessment of Strategies in Families (ASF) tool is valid for screening family effectiveness in chronic pain populations. It accurately reflects family dynamics like isolation and cooperation challenges.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Family Studies
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Chronic pain significantly impacts family functioning and dynamics.
- Assessing family effectiveness is crucial for understanding coping mechanisms in chronic pain.
- Existing tools may not adequately capture the nuances of families affected by chronic pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the Assessment of Strategies in Families (ASF) screening tool.
- To determine the appropriateness of the ASF for families experiencing chronic pain.
- To explore family effectiveness and dynamics in the context of chronic pain.
Main Methods:
- Sequential triangulation approach was employed.
- 30 subjects with chronic pain completed the ASF questionnaire.
- Subjects underwent think-aloud protocols for item validation and semistructured interviews on family perceptions.
Main Results:
- Subjects interpreted ASF items as intended, confirming face validity.
- Thematic analysis revealed tendencies toward community isolation, intense intra-family involvement, and rigid control.
- ASF scores correlated with observed family dynamics, showing low family growth and variable stability based on cooperation.
Conclusions:
- The Assessment of Strategies in Families (ASF) demonstrates validity and appropriateness for screening families with chronic pain.
- The study highlights specific family functioning patterns associated with chronic pain.
- The ASF can effectively identify challenges and strengths in family effectiveness within this population.