Revised Self-Rating Scale of Systemic Family Dynamics – Chinese Version

Description

Family dynamics is the scientific study of family relationships and the mechanisms of interaction among family members through the examination of communication, psychology, and behavior. Research in family dynamics began to develop in the 1950s, with Kuisma noting that families act as interactive systems. Family dynamics reflect the unique ways family members interact, which is evident in their mutual support, expression of various emotions, and collective coping with stress and difficulties. Studies have shown that a healthy family system is beneficial for patient recovery and reduces the risk of suicide. The aim of family dynamics research is to explore the psychological, behavioral, and communication processes within families, providing effective observational perspectives for clinical practice and facilitating the abstraction and categorization of interpersonal interaction patterns and psychological processes in families. For instance, closely studying the family dynamics of families with children suffering from chronic illnesses can contribute to clinical treatment. A significant factor influencing middle school students’ mental health is family dynamics, and research into family system dynamics can help improve the mental health status of middle school students.

Authors and Contact Email

Yang Jianzong, Kang Chuanyuan, Yu Lei, Zhao Xudong, Zeng Weinan, Tan Jianfeng, Yu Yulan, Zeng Jiayong, Wan Chonghua. Contact email: information not available

Purpose

The purpose is to assess family dynamics through the Systemic Family Dynamics Self-Rating Scale (SSFD) to improve understanding of familial interactions and their effects on the mental health of individuals, particularly among middle school students.

Test Year

The scale was developed based on the Heidelberg scoring system in 2000 and revised in 2002. The survey of students took place in 2012.

Administration Method and Scoring

Using a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method, a total of 6115 students from Guangdong Province (including middle school and university students) were surveyed. The revised scale consists of 29 items where participants respond using a Likert scale with the following options:
1 完全符合 (Completely applicable)
2 很符合 (Very applicable)
3 部分符合 (Partially applicable)
4 很不符合 (Very not applicable)
5 完全不符合 (Not applicable at all)

Reliability and Validity

The revised self-rating questionnaire demonstrated good reliability and validity, with a Cronbach α coefficient of 0.79 and a split-half correlation coefficient of 0.84. The Cronbach α coefficients for the four subdomains ranged from 0.58 to 0.83, and the split-half reliability ranged from 0.56 to 0.85. Scores for family atmosphere, personalization, disease concepts, and the overall score showed positive correlations with well-being scores, indicating its effectiveness in measuring family dynamics.

Factors and Subscales

The SSFD includes the following dimensions with their implications:
家庭气氛 (Family Atmosphere) – Reflects the level of communication within the family; lower scores indicate a more relaxed family atmosphere.
个性化 (Personalization) – Illustrates the differences in emotions and behaviors among family members; lower scores indicate greater independence.
系统逻辑 (System Logic) – Represents the standards by which family members evaluate values; lower scores suggest a more diversified cognitive pattern.
疾病观念 (Disease Concept) – Relates to views on personal responsibility in the context of illness; lower scores suggest patients are more likely to associate recovery with their responsibilities.

Keywords

Family Dynamics, Self-Rating Scale, Mental Health, Chronic Illness, Middle School Students, Reliability and Validity

Items in Chinese

1. 我们家允许家庭成员按自己的方式生活。
2. 父母允许我自由发展兴趣爱好。
3. 我们家的人互相间感情很深，一人有麻烦我们大家都会感到痛苦，焦虑不安。
4. 我们家的孩子很自由地自己作决定。
5. 我们家不喜欢与我们观点不一样的人。
6. 家庭成员为彼此间的亲密而自豪。
7. 我们家的人认为自我调整心态可以治疗心理疾病。
8. 我的时间由自己安排。
9. 我们家的人在议论一个人或一件事时，喜欢用“是”或“非”、“好”或“坏”作简单明了的概括。
10. 父母不用严格的规则来约束我们。
11. 我们家待人接物时，有的人和事，被看得很糟糕有的又被认为再好不过。
12. 我们家的人经常争吵。
13. 家庭成员之间很容易表达彼此的温暖和关怀。
14. 我们家的人认为，某些疾病与人际关系紧张有关。
15. 全家人对重大的家庭决策都有发言权。
16. 我们家的人认为一件事情好就是好，不好就是不好,不存在其它情况。
17. 我们家的人在一起时轻松愉快，能畅所欲言。
18. 我们家的人总是只接受与我们观点相同的看法。
19. 我们感到一家人很团结,富有协作精神。
20. 我们家的人认为心理障碍的发生与家庭环境有关。
21. 我们家允许每个人有自己的个性和不同。
22. 家庭成员都能看到相互间的长处和不足。
23. 我们家的人认为心理疾病与个人的生活方式有很大关系。
【应该有反向计分题目，但未发现相关材料】

Items in English

1. Our family allows members to live in their own way.
2. My parents allow me to freely develop my interests.
3. The feelings among our family members are deep; when one person is in trouble, everyone feels pain and anxiety.
4. The children in our family make their own decisions freely.
5. Our family does not like people who disagree with our views.
6. Family members take pride in their closeness.
7. Our family members believe that self-adjustment can treat mental illnesses.
8. I control my own time.
9. When discussing a person or an event, our family likes to summarize simply with “yes” or “no,” “good” or “bad.”
10. Parents do not impose strict rules on us.
11. In our family’s dealings, some people and things are viewed very poorly while others are seen as outstanding.
12. Our family members often argue.
13. Family members easily express warmth and care for each other.
14. Our family members believe that certain diseases are related to tense interpersonal relationships.
15. Everyone in the family has a say in major family decisions.
16. Our family members believe that something good is good, something bad is bad, and there are no other conditions.
17. Our family members feel relaxed and free to speak when together.
18. Our family members only accept views that align with ours.
19. We feel united as a family, and we have a spirit of cooperation.
20. Our family members believe that the occurrence of mental disorders is related to the family environment.
21. Our family allows each person to have their own personality and differences.
22. Family members recognize each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
23. Our family members believe that mental illness is significantly related to personal lifestyle.
【Information on reverse scoring questions is not available.】

References

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尹英莹. 肺癌患者家庭动力学、反刍性沉思与创伤后成长的相关性研究[D].吉林大学,2021.DOI:10.27162/d.cnki.gjlin.2021.006343.
王汝杰. 新型冠状病毒肺炎患者心理状况及影响因素研究[D].重庆医科大学,2021.DOI:10.27674/d.cnki.gcyku.2021.000246.