Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation 15 (Score-15)
What it is
The SCORE-15 (Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation 15) is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess the functioning and dynamics of families or close relationships. It was developed to help clinicians understand how family members perceive their family life, communication patterns, and any emotional or relational challenges they may be facing. The SCORE-15 is particularly useful in family therapy, allowing therapists to gain insights into family systems and track changes over the course of treatment.
Unlike other questionnaires that focus on individuals, the SCORE-15 looks at the family or relationship as a whole, providing a more holistic picture of the emotional and relational environment.
How is it used
The SCORE-15 is suitable for adults and adolescents aged 12 and older and takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. Family members or individuals are asked to reflect on their experiences of family life over the past month. This makes it a quick yet effective tool for understanding how different family members perceive their relationships and interactions.
The questionnaire is often used in family therapy or couples counseling to identify areas of strength and concern, guide treatment planning, and measure progress over time. It helps clinicians and families recognize patterns that might be contributing to relational difficulties.
What do the scores mean?
The SCORE-15 consists of 15 questions, each rated on a scale from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very well). The questions are grouped into three main areas (subscales):
- Strengths and Adaptability: How well the family copes with challenges and leverages its strengths.
- Overwhelmed by Difficulties: The extent to which family members feel burdened or stressed by family problems.
- Disrupted Communication: Issues with openness, trust, and effective communication within the family.
The total score ranges from 15 to 75, with higher scores indicating more difficulties or challenges within the family system. Here’s how to interpret the total score:
- 15 to 29: Suggests a well-functioning family with minimal difficulties. Family members generally feel supported, communicate well, and are able to adapt to challenges.
- 30 to 45: Indicates moderate difficulties. Some areas of family life may be causing stress, but they are usually manageable. It may be helpful to work on improving communication or addressing specific challenges.
- 46 to 75: Reflects significant challenges in family functioning. There may be persistent communication problems, feelings of being overwhelmed, or difficulties in coping with stressors. Family therapy could be beneficial.
The subscale scores can also provide deeper insights. For example, a high score in Disrupted Communication may suggest that the family would benefit from improving how they communicate and express feelings, while a high score in Overwhelmed by Difficulties might indicate that family members feel particularly stressed or unsupported.
What does the research say?
The SCORE-15 is backed by research and widely used in family therapy and counseling settings. It has been shown to be both reliable (consistent in its measurements) and valid (effectively capturing family dynamics). Its concise format makes it a practical tool for clinicians, providing clear insights without requiring a lot of time.
One of the key strengths of the SCORE-15 is its ability to capture different aspects of family functioning, which can guide targeted interventions. It’s also valuable for tracking changes over time, making it a great tool for measuring the effectiveness of therapy.
Developer
SCORE-15 © Association for Family Therapy and Professor Stratton
Jewell et al. (2013). Development of a Children's Version of the SCORE Index of Family Function and Change. Family Process, 52 (4), 673-684.
Stratton et al. (2010) Developing a practicable outcome measure for systemic family therapy: The SCORE. Journal of Family Therapy. 32, 232-258