Introduction: This paper presents the results of a study on the psychometric properties of an authorized Spanish version of the McMaster Family Assessment Device, a self-report measure of family functioning.
Materials and methods: The study sample comprised 60 psychiatric patients and their family member and 60 controls, without mental health problems, and their family member.
Results: Compared to other studies, all subscales displayed adequate temporal stability and acceptable reliability. While the instrument discriminated well between the two groups of families on all subscales, the results nevertheless indicated limitations in the inter-item discriminant capacity of the "Roles" subscale. Factor analysis resulted in a three-factor model that does not coincide with the established structure of this instrument.
Conclusion: Proposals to improve and adapt questionnaire are discussed with a view to make it applicable to cultures other than the one it was developed. Theoretical models relating to psychosocial aspects such as family functioning, albeit compatible in some areas, should be viewed with caution in cultures different to that in which the model originates.