A comparison of self-report measures of two family dimensions: Control and cohesion

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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among measures designed to assess two important aspects of family functioning: cohesion and control. Subjects completed: two self-report measures—the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales-II (FACES-II) and the Family Environment Scale (FES); a paper-and-pencil family sculpture task used to measure cohesion; and a social desirability scale used to assess possible biases in self-report responses. The results were analyzed using a modified multitrait, multimethod analysis. Findings indicated preliminary convergent and discriminant validity for the cohesion dimension for the FES, FACES-II, and self-report family sculpture task. Findings concerning the control concept were less clear, suggesting the need for caution in interpreting this concept across measures.