Table of Contents
Description
The Family Member Impact Questionnaire (FMI) is a tool designed to assess the impact of a relative’s substance use on family members. This questionnaire focuses on behavioral indicators that demonstrate the strain and stress experienced by family members of individuals who may have issues with substance use, such as alcohol or drugs. It provides valuable insights into how a relative’s behavior may disrupt family dynamics, social interactions, and emotional well-being. By addressing specific behaviors and circumstances, the FMI aims to shed light on the broader repercussions of substance use on families, enabling better support and intervention.
Authors and Contact Email
Orford et al., 1976, 1999, 2005
Purpose
The purpose of the Family Member Impact Questionnaire (FMI) is to evaluate the distress experienced by family members due to the behaviors and actions of a relative struggling with substance use. This tool helps identify areas where family members may be experiencing significant stress or worry related to their loved one’s addiction issues.
Test Year
Information not available
Administration Method and Scoring
The FMI is administered through a self-report questionnaire format where respondents answer a series of statements regarding their relative’s behavior. The scoring is based on a system where responses range from “Not at all” (0) to “Often” (3). Specific items are weighted differently in the scoring process, with items 3, 6, and 7 scored as 1, and all other items scored as 2. For total impact measurement, all items are summed, while distinct subscales assess worrying behavior and active disturbance through specified item groups.
Reliability and Validity
Information not available
Factors and Subscales
The Family Member Impact Questionnaire includes the following subscales:
– **Total Impact**: Sum of all items
– **Worrying Behavior**: Sum of items 3, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16
– **Active Disturbance**: Sum of items 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 10
Keywords
Family impact, substance use, questionnaire, behavioral assessment, family dynamics
Items of Family Member Impact Questionnaire (FMI)
1. Does your relative have very changeable moods?
2. Does your relative communicate badly?
3. Does your relative steal or borrow money and not pay it back?
4. Have the family’s finances been affected?
5. Does your relative pick quarrels with you?
6. Has your relative sometimes threatened you?
7. Have people outside the family had to get involved?
8. Does your relative come and go at irregular or awkward times?
9. Does your relative’s drinking/drug use get in the way of your social life?
10. Has your relative upset family occasions?
11. Does your relative fail to join in family activities?
12. Has your relative been late or unreliable?
13. Are you worried that your relative’s ability to work or study has been affected by the drinking/drug use?
14. Are you worried that your relative’s physical health has been affected by the drinking/drug use?
15. Are you worried that your relative has neglected his/her appearance or self-care?
16. Are you worried that your relative’s mental state is becoming affected by the drinking/drug use?
References
– Family Member Impact Questionnaire (FMI) Document
– Orford, J., Oppenheimer, E., Egert, S., Hensman, C. & Guthrie, S. (1976). The cohesiveness of alcoholism-complicated marriages and its influences on treatment outcome. British Journal of Psychiatry, 128, 318-339.
– Velleman, R. & Orford, J. (1999). Risk and Resilience: Adults Who Were the Children of Problem Drinkers. Reading: Harwood.
– Orford, J., Templeton, L., Velleman, R. & Copello, A. (2005). Family Members of Relatives with Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Problems: A set of standardized questionnaires for assessing stress, coping and strain, Addiction, 100 (11), 1611-1624.
– Orford, J., Templeton, L., Velleman, R., & Copello, A. (2010). Methods of assessment for affected family members. Drugs: education, prevention and policy, 17(S1). doi: 10.3109/09687637.2010.514783
– Orford, J. (2014). Testing the short questionnaire for family members affected by addiction: help required. At: http://www.afinetwork.info/research-articles/371-testing-the-short-questionnaire-for-family-members-affected-by-addiction-help-required