Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales II — Chinese Version

The Chinese version of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES-2-CV) was developed by Professor Olson and colleagues at the University of Minnesota and adapted by Fei Lipeng and colleagues. Based on Olson's Circumplex Model, it assesses cohesion—the emotional connection between family members—and adaptability—the ability to respond to change—to describe 16 family types. Its 30 items are completed twice, for the current situation and the ideal situation. It is used to assess family functioning and type, identify family difficulties and dysfunction, support evaluation in family therapy, and study relationships between family factors and individual mental health.

The FACES-2-CV uses a 5-point scale (1–5) with specific formulas: cohesion = 36 + the sum of positively keyed items − the sum of reverse-keyed items (approximately 28–92); adaptability = 12 + the sum of positively keyed items − the sum of reverse-keyed items (approximately 6–70). Scores describe 16 family types. ① Cohesion: disengaged (<55.9), separated (55.9–63.9), connected (63.9–71.9), or enmeshed (>71.9). ② Adaptability: rigid (<44.7), structured (44.7–50.9), flexible (50.9–57.1), or chaotic (>57.1). Balanced families—separated or connected, combined with structured or flexible—are considered to function best. Extreme families—disengaged or enmeshed, combined with rigid or chaotic—may have difficulties. The scale also calculates dissatisfaction from the gap between ideal and current scores; larger gaps indicate greater dissatisfaction with the family situation.

The FACES-2-CV can be used by family members of different ages, particularly adolescents and their parents, couples, family therapy clients, and participants in research on family factors and mental health. Any family member can complete it, and different members' scores reflect different experiences. It is useful for several members to complete it separately and compare perspectives, to complete both current and ideal ratings to understand the gap between expectations and reality, and to reassess periodically to track changes. Interpretation may need adjustment for single-parent or blended families and other family structures. Cultural background also shapes what people consider an ideal family.

Olson's Circumplex Model links family functioning to balance in cohesion and adaptability. It describes three broad patterns. ① Balanced families have moderate scores on both dimensions: separated or connected cohesion, combined with structured or flexible adaptability. Members have emotional connection and independence, while rules provide stability and allow change. These families are considered to function best. ② Extreme families score at the extremes of both dimensions: disengaged or enmeshed cohesion, combined with rigid or chaotic adaptability. Too much distance, emotional entanglement, rigidity, or unpredictability can create difficulties. ③ Mid-range families are balanced on one dimension and extreme on the other. Research links balanced patterns to better mental health, adaptability, and fewer behavioral problems. Still, cultural ideals differ, family patterns change with life stages and stressful events, and extreme families may function well in some circumstances.

Suggestions depend on the family pattern. ① Disengaged families, with low cohesion: increase shared activities such as meals or game nights, encourage emotional expression, establish rituals and traditions, and increase affection such as hugs. ② Enmeshed families, with excessive cohesion: respect personal space and privacy, encourage independent decisions and individual interests, and set clear boundaries between generations. ③ Rigid families, with low adaptability: make rules more flexible, encourage shared decision-making, welcome change and new ideas, and revise outdated rules. ④ Chaotic families, with excessive adaptability: establish clear rules and boundaries, define roles and responsibilities, increase predictability and stability, and develop family leadership. Across types, improve listening, expression, and feedback; hold regular family meetings; consider family therapy, especially for extreme patterns; and adjust to transitions such as adolescence or the empty-nest stage.

Consider family therapy if your family is classified as extreme—disengaged or enmeshed, combined with rigid or chaotic—or if: ① Frequent conflicts prevent effective communication. ② A member has serious mental health or behavioral problems, such as depression, anxiety, substance misuse, or self-harm. ③ Parent–child relationships are severely strained. ④ The couple relationship faces a major crisis, such as an affair, separation, or consideration of divorce. ⑤ Major stressors such as bereavement, unemployment, or illness are difficult to manage. ⑥ Dissatisfaction is high, with an ideal–current gap >20 points. ⑦ Family functioning seriously affects members' studies, work, or quality of life. A therapist can help improve communication, adjust structures and boundaries, resolve conflict, strengthen coping, and support individual growth. Seeking therapy is a constructive step toward better relationships, rather than a sign of failure.