The Perceived Family Burden Scale (PFBS)

Author of Tool:

Levene, J. E., Lancee, W. J., Seeman, M. V.

Key references:

Levene, J. E., Lancee, W. J., Seeman, M. V. (1996). The perceived family burden scale: measurement and validation. Schizophrenia Research, 22(2), 151–157.

Primary use / Purpose:

The Perceived Family Burden Scale (PFBS) is a 24-item questionnaire rated on a 5 point Likert type scale. It contains an additional choice for each of the items where the user can also identify that the particular symptom is not present. The purpose of the scale is to measure the burden of schizophrenia on the family of a patient.

Background:

Many scales have been developed for the classification of, and quality of life associated with, mental illness. However, less attention has been paid to the families of mentally ill patients who can also experience difficulty. Many family members in this situation have to take on fulltime roles as caregivers, or at the very least experience they a heightened concern for the well-being of the patient and themselves. To measure this possible burden in relation to schizophrenia, in particular, the Perceived Family Burden Scale (PFBS) was developed.

Psychometrics:

The psychometric properties of the Perceived Family Burden Scale (PFBS) are discussed in Levene, Lancee, & Seeman, (1996).

Keywords:

Anxiety

Family

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