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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Research

Validation of the Dutch version of the Multidimensional Adolescent Functioning Scale (MAFS)

Authors: Sally A. Mayle, Jessica M. de Klerk-Sluis, Ashleigh Lin, Alison R. Yung, Klaas J. Wardenaar, Sanne R J Broekman, W Heleen Pluim, Johanna T. W. Wigman

Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

The Multidimensional Adolescent Functioning Scale (MAFS) is a 23-item, self-report questionnaire assessing psychosocial functioning in adolescents aged 12–17 years. It captures three domains of functioning: ‘general functioning’, ‘family-related functioning’, and ‘peer-related functioning’. The original English version has good psychometric properties. The aim of the current paper was to translate the MAFS to Dutch and to investigate the psychometric properties of this translation.

Methods

After translation, the Dutch MAFS was assessed in 397 adolescents aged 12–17 years, assessed at schools. Internal consistency, factor structure and correlations with other questionnaires assessing functioning, psychopathology and well-being were investigated.

Results

A hierarchical/bifactor model with a general factor that loads on all items (MAFS-general) and three group factors, loading respectively on the GF, FF and PF items, was found to describe the data best. Internal consistency of the MAFS total score (α = 0.87) was good and of the subscales (α = 0.74–0.80) acceptable. Comparable alphas were found in males and females. Correlations between MAFS subscales ranged from 0.33 to 0.43, indicating sufficient differentiation. The MAFS general factor score and group factor scores showed positive correlations with other measures of good functioning and well-being, and negative correlations with measures of psychopathology, supporting convergent and divergent validity.

Conclusions

The Dutch translation of the MAFS has adequate psychometric properties to assess three domains of functioning in adolescents from the general population aged 12–17 years. The MAFS is freely accessible in the Appendix and easy to administer.

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Title: Validation of the Dutch version of the Multidimensional Adolescent Functioning Scale (MAFS)
Authors: Sally A. Mayle
Jessica M. de Klerk-Sluis
Ashleigh Lin
Alison R. Yung
Klaas J. Wardenaar
Sanne R J Broekman
W Heleen Pluim
Johanna T. W. Wigman
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7525
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12955-020-01517-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Validation of the Dutch version of the Multidimensional Adolescent Functioning Scale (MAFS)

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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