Psicothema was founded in Asturias (northern Spain) in 1989, and is published jointly by the Psychology Faculty of the University of Oviedo and the Psychological Association of the Principality of Asturias (Colegio Oficial de Psicología del Principado de Asturias).
We currently publish four issues per year, which accounts for some 100 articles annually. We admit work from both the basic and applied research fields, and from all areas of Psychology, all manuscripts being anonymously reviewed prior to publication.
Ana R. Sepúlveda1, Dimitra Anastasiadou1, Laura Rodríguez2, Carmen Almendros1, Patricia Andrés3, Francisco Vaz2 and Montserrat Graell3
1 Autonomous University of Madrid,
2 Service of Hospital of Badajoz and
3 Niño Jesús University Hospital
Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Family Questionnaire (FQ) and to further examine the differences between mothers´ and fathers´ emotional response to an eating disorder (ED). Method: A total of 382 carers of patients with an ED participated in the study, with ages ranging from forty to fifty-three years old. Results: The use of confirmatory factor analysis according to gender supported both factor models of the FQ, with only minor differences in comparison to the original study performed in 2002 by Wiedemann and collegues. The internal consistency of the Spanish version of the FQ was good. Mothers displayed significantly higher levels of emotional over-involvement than fathers, while gender differences in critical comments were nonsignificant. The correlation of the two subscales of the FQ with a conceptually related measure (Expressed Emotion) and two unrelated ones (negative caregiving experience, distress) supports the convergent and concurrent validity of the instrument in both samples. Conclusions: The FQ has adequate psychometric properties and may be of value in assessing the impact of ED symptoms on the family environment. Finally, interventions that aim to reduce Expressed Emotion in carers may consider a gender-specific approach.
Validación española del Family Questionnaire (FQ) en familias de pacientes con un trastorno de la conducta alimentaria. Antecedentes: el objetivo del estudio es evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del Family Questionnaire (FQ) y examinar diferencias en la respuesta emocional de madres y padres ante un trastorno de la conducta alimentaria (TCA). Método: 382 cuidadores de pacientes con un TCA participaron en el estudio, con edades comprendidas entre 40 y 53 años. Resultados: los resultados del análisis factorial confirmatorio según género apoyaron ambas estructuras factoriales del FQ, con solo pequeñas diferencias en comparación con el trabajo original realizado en 2002 por Wiedemann y colaboradores. La versión española del FQ presentó buena consistencia interna. Las madres puntuaron significativamente más alto en sobreimplicación emocional que los padres, mientras que las diferencias de género en comentarios críticos no eran significativas. La correlación de las subescalas del FQ con una medida conceptualmente equivalente (Emoción Expresada) y dos medidas no equivalentes (experiencia negativa del cuidador, ansiedad) apoyaron la validez convergente y concurrente del instrumento para ambas muestras. Conclusiones: el FQ tiene adecuadas propiedades psicométricas y puede ser útil para evaluar el impacto de los síntomas del TCA en el entorno familiar. Sería recomendable que las intervenciones familiares destinadas a reducir los niveles de Emoción Expresada tuvieran en cuenta una perspectiva de género.
SPANISH
ENGLISH
https://doi.org/10.7334/psicothema2013.310