Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale – Version IV (FACES IV): Validation Study in the Portuguese Population

The present study addresses the psychometric properties of the Portuguese translation and adaptation of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale – version IV (FACES IV). The sample included 1083 individuals from 387 nuclear families, with an average age of 36 years. Besides its sociodemographic heterogeneity, the sample also included participants in various family life cycle stages and belonging to different family subsystems. We found overall good to moderate psychometric properties, namely adequate internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant ability. However, rigid and enmeshed scales presented weaker results. Normative expectations and cultural bias are discussed. FACES IV appears to be a valid and reliable measure of family dynamics, suitable for research and clinical purposes within the Portuguese context. However, further studies need to be carried out regarding the instruments’ properties in tapping extremely high cohesion (enmeshment) and low flexibility (rigidity) levels. Highlights The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale - version IV (FACES IV) validation with a large and heterogeneous sample of the Portuguese population. Limitations of previous Portuguese validation efforts were addressed, namely sample homogeneity and lack of adequate measures to address convergent validity. Portuguese FACES IV measures reliably and validly cohesion and flexibility. Family functioning assessed according to different stages of the family life cycle and family subsystem membership.