FACES IV and the Circumplex Model: Validation Study

TLDR

Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES) IV was developed to capture the full continuum of cohesion and flexibility dimensions from the Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems. FACES IV comprises six scales—two balanced and four unbalanced—to assess low/high cohesion and flexibility, and a clinical example demonstrates its use for evaluating family dynamics, guiding treatment, and measuring therapy impact. The six scales showed strong reliability and validity, with high concurrent, construct, and discriminant validity, and new ratio scores effectively quantify balanced and unbalanced cohesion and flexibility.

Abstract

Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES) IV was developed to tap the full continuum of the cohesion and flexibility dimensions from the Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems. Six scales were developed, with two balanced scales and four unbalanced scales designed to tap low and high cohesion (disengaged and enmeshed) and flexibility (rigid and chaotic). The six scales in FACES IV were found to be reliable and valid. High levels of concurrent, construct, and discriminant validity were found and new ratio scores measure the balanced and unbalanced level of cohesion and flexibility. A clinical example on the use of FACES IV scores to assess family dynamics, plan the treatment, and determine the impact of family therapy is provided.