A test of adaptability: How do subjects interpret the curvilinear and the linear hypotheses?
Abstract
Current research has not been supportive of the curvilinear hypothesis of the Circumplex Model (CM), especially with regards to the adaptability dimension. The question addressed in this study is whether the results reflect imprecise measurement of the constructs of the CM, or whether they reflect an inaccurate underlying theory. This study combines quantitative and qualitative research modalities to answer the questions. To answer the measurement question, subjects recruited from clinical and non-clinical populations were asked to answer a questionnaire composed of the following parts: (1) the regular FACES III; (2) the adaptability items of the FACES III reworded, so as to enhance the curvilinear properties of the items, and make the middle categories more salient; (3) the adaptability items of the FACES III rewritten in a bipolar 7 point Likert scale, to underscore the curvilinearity; (4) the General Functioning Scale of the McMaster Family Assessment Device, to differentiate between functional and dysfunctional families; (5) the Marlow-Crowne Social Desirability Scale, to determine the impact of potential bias on the responses; (6) a list of demographic questions, to ensure comparability of the groups. Randomly selected subjects were then interviewed regarding their concepts of change and adaptability in relation to the measured items in an in-depth qualitative fashion. The results support the assumption that from a lay- person's perspective, the FACES adaptability items reflect an underlying linear model. When the adaptability items are reworded so as to make the intent of curvilinearity less ambiguous, subjects who come from more dysfunctional families answer in more extreme categories, while subjects who come from more functional families, answer in a more balanced way; the results were not found in the bi-polar Likert scale adaptability items. The results lend support to the basic assumption of the CM that adaptabilitity is curvilinearly related to family functioning, with balanced levels associated with healthy family functioning, and dysfunctional family patterns associated with more extreme scores.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Sprenkle, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Social research|Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology
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