The evaluation of the families responds to research or clinical aims, and is also common in juridical and forensic contexts. The assessment can be carried out by means of different methods: observation of interactions and behaviors of the family, either spontaneous or in response to specific stimuli, such as tasks of structured play; psychometric tests, projective or questionnaires. Among these the test FACES, widespread also in Italy and which has been adapted and standardized in the fourth version, is addressed in detail. The possibilities of use for research and clinical purposes are underlined in the review.
Keywords: Family, assessment, instruments, projective tests, inventories, FACES-IV