Family Expressiveness Questionnaire

• Dataset Code: PyG
• Scored Data: FEQySPc
• Technical Reports
• Measure Image
• Scoring Program (SAS)
• Scored Dataset Contents

Fast Track obtained permission to use this measure in our study, but we are not allowed to distribute it. To obtain a copy for your use, click here and contact the source listed.

Abstract

The Family Expressiveness Questionnaire is a 13-item revision of the original 40-item questionnaire developed by Halberstadt (1986). Halberstadt's questionnaire contains four subscales: positive-dominant (PD), positive-nondominant (PS), nonpositive-dominant (ND), and nonpositive-nondominant (NS). Greenberg et al. (1995) revised the scale to include ten of Halberstadt's original items and three new items. Analysis of responses on the 13-item questionnaire supported two subscales - Positive Expression and Negative Expression (Lengua 1995).

Each questionnaire item asks how often a particular scenario of emotional expression occurs in the respondent's family. Six of the items describe negative scenarios, e.g., "How often does someone in your family try to cheer up another family member who is sad?" and seven items express positive scenarios, e.g., "How often does someone in your family praise someone in the family for good work?" Responses are coded on a four-point scale and include: "Never happens (0)," "Sometimes happens (1)," "Happens a lot (2)," and "Happens all the time (3)."

This measure contains two subscales: Positive and Negative Expression. Each subscale score is calculated as the mean of responses on subscale items.

T-test results do not show a significant difference in the response means of the normative and high-risk groups on the Negative Expression subscale. Consequently, researchers should be aware that the Negative Expression subscale may not differentiate between samples identified using a similar diagnostic construct. In addition, positive correlation between the Negative Expression and Positive Expression subscales (0.599, p<.0001) suggests that the Family Expressiveness Questionnaire more likely assesses expressivity, and not positive and negative feelings.

Keywords: Family Relations, Expressiveness, Interpersonal Interactions, Emotionality

Administration History

Back to Fast Track home

Back to instrument list