Family System Test
Manual
Published on 1. January 1998
Book
Paperback/Softback
80 pages
978-0-88937-207-8 (ISBN)
Description
The Family System Test (FAST) was developed at Stanford and the University of Zurich for use with both individuals and families. It is a figural technique, derived from clinical practice, for representing emotional bonds (cohesion) and hierarchical structures in the family or similar social systems. The FAST, which can be used quantitatively or qualitatively, is based on the structural-systemic theory of families. It is assumed that healthy families have a balanced relationship structure (cohesive and with a balanced hierarchy), clear generation borders, and a flexible organization. The FAST can be used as an individual or group test in research and clinical practice for: analysis of family structure; diagnosis of biopsychosocial problems; planning and evaluation of preventive and therapeutic interventions. The FAST is very economical compared with other instruments which provide similar information. Another advantage of the FAST lies in its ability to trigger a process of reflection on family relations among respondents, thus facilitating diagnosis and therapy. A first evaluation is possible right after completion of the representations. For example, it is possible to determine structural characteristics such as clarity of generational boundaries without any prior calculations. A review of the follow-up interviews and the spontaneous comments of the family members permits ad hoc individual and family-oriented systemic hypotheses. Test materials include a board and various schematic figures. Takes only 5-10 minutes for individuals, 10-30 minutes for groups. Language independent and highly effective.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Toronto
Canada
Publishing group
Hogrefe Publishing
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
22 Abb., 22 Tab.
Dimensions
Height: 28 cm
Width: 21 cm
Weight
238 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-88937-207-8 (9780889372078)
Schweitzer Classification
Content
Part 1 Structural family theory: describing family structure; family subsystems; family models. Part 2 Methods of studying family relations: classical measuring methods; spatial representation of family relations. Part 3 Underlying concept of the FAST: goal; test material; clinical pilot studies; test construction; final version of the test. Part 4 Test procedure: anamnestic data; test instructions; protocol. Part 5 Scoring and interpretation: evaluating cohesion; evaluating hierarchy; calculating flexibility; calculating differences in perception; classifying types of relational structures; using the test form; follow-up interview; interpreting test results. Part 6 Psychometric properties: Californian sample; scoring procedure; validation concept; independence of cohesion and hierarchy; family and subsystem representations; test-retest reliability; convergent and discriminant validity; summary and discussion. Part 7 Construct validity: validation concept; Californian studies of nonclinical families; types of family structures among nonclinical adolescents in California and Switzerland; Swiss studies with clinical and nonclinical children and adolescents; differences between interpersonal constructs of nonclinical family members and members of families with a mentally disturbed offspring. Part 8 Clinical applications. Part 9 Case studies: family A - typical representation of boy exhibiting compulsive behaviour; family B -typical and ideal representations of girl in child custody case; family C - typical, ideal and conflict representations of anorectic teenage girl; family D - mother's representation of marital conflict during child counselling session; family E -family's individual and consensus representations of typical relations for an evaluation requested by Surrogate Court; family F - family's consensus representations of typical and ideal relations to determine goals of therapy; family G - family's consensus representations of typical relations to aid therapy evaluation. Part 10 Future directions of family diagnosis and therapy.