SURVEY APPROACHES TO THE ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY FUNCTIONING - CONCEPTUAL, OPERATIONAL, AND ANALYTICAL ISSUES

This article reviews several conceptual, operational, and analytical i ssues related to survey approaches to the assessment of family functio ning. First, a multidimensional conceptualization of family functionin g that is embedded within a family systems framework is presented. Sec ond operational issues pertaining to the assessment of family function ing when conceived of as a complex and multidimensional construct are discussed. Lastly, measurement strategies and analytical approaches th at enable researchers to make the level of functioning found within th e family system the unit of analysis are explored.