Behavioral Items
The instrument is divided into four sections, reflecting the four dimensions described above. Behavioral indicators are listed under each dimension. Columns are labelled with the names (or roles, e.g., “mother”) of family members.
Judges watch the videotape, stopping and rewinding as needed. Whenever one of the listed behaviors is observed, e.g., “Client expresses optimism or indicates that a positive change has taken place,” the judge checks it in the appropriate blank space, e.g., under “mother” or “son.” The judge is free to use idiosyncratic marks (such as checks, plusses, questionmarks, etc.) to recall the importance or clarity of each behavior. It should be noted that the items in italics reflect a lack of engagement, poor emotional connection, a lack of safety, and a lack of a shared sense of purpose.
The judge is free to stop and rewind the tape as needed to be as accurate as possible about the presence of the behavioral indicators. If several judges observe the tape simultaneously, any one of them may rewind the tape at any point. However, for purposes of assessing interjudge reliability, the judges should not discuss their observations until the final ratings are made.
The majority of items reflect clearly observable behaviors, such as open upper body posture or crying or agreeing to do homework. However, a few items require the judge to make some inferences based on the client’s observable behavior. As one example, consider the item, “Client implies or states that therapy is a safe place.” This item should, of course, be checked if the client explicitly states that he/she feels “safe.” However, the behavior may also be present if a feeling of safety is implied but not explicitly stated. If a client were to say something like, “We decided not to talk about it anymore at home because we might keep on fighting,” the judge should infer that therapy is viewed by the client as safer than the client’s home for arguments. In other words, the judge is expected to make some inferences based on the verbal expressions of family members. The judge should not, however, make inferences about “implied” behaviors on the basis of nonverbal behaviors alone.