Portuguese validation of the family adaptability and cohesion evaluation scale - FACES IV

This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale IV (FACES IV) Package which contains three scales: FACES IV; Family Communication Scale (FCS); and Family Satisfaction Scale (FSS). Participants were 553 Portuguese adults (184 males and 369 females), between the ages of 19 and 57. An item reduction process resulted in a final 4item per subscale solution. A confirmatory Factor Analysis was undertaken validating the 6-factor structure originally proposed, namely the validation of two balanced subscales (Cohesion and Flexibility) and four unbalanced subscales (Disengaged and Enmeshed Cohesion, Rigid and Chaotic Flexibility). All subscales including the FCS and FSS showed generally good reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity. However, the Rigid subscale showed some limitations that should be explored further. In conclusion, the Portuguese version of the FACES IV Package is a valid and useful instrument for family assessment.