Table 1 Modification of the WAACHS family functioning scale for the development of the Mayi Kuwayu Family Functioning Measure (FFM)

Stem: Here are some statements about families. How well do these match the way things are done in your family?

Stem: In my family …

The way we get on together helps us to cope with the hard times

We get on together and cope in the hard times

We like to remember people’s birthdays and celebrate other special events

We celebrate special days/events

We find it easy to talk with each other about the things that really matter

We talk with each other about the things that matter

We are always there for each other and know that the family will survive no matter what

We are always there for each other

When it comes to managing money we are careful and make good decisions

We manage money well

Our family has a lot in common in the interests we share and the things we do

We have common interests

People in our family are accepted for who they are

People are accepted for who they are

We have good support from our in-laws, relatives and friends

We have good support from mob

We have family traditions and customs we would like to pass on to our children

We have family knowledge and traditions that we pass on to our children