A Scoping Review of Solution‐Focused Measures

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a resource-based model that emphasizes solution-building over problem-solving. This scoping review identified solution-focused (SF) measurement tools, examined their psychometric properties, and explored the conceptualization of a core SFBT construct, namely solution-building. Using the PRISMA guidelines, we searched eight databases, supplemented with citation searching. Eligible studies included the development or validation of SF measures. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria, yielding 11 instruments (seven client-focused and four provider-focused). Measures were applied across diverse disciplines and cultural contexts. The Solution-Building Inventory and Solution-Focused Inventory had the most psychometric evidence. Mapping instruments to SFBT constructs revealed that "strengths and resources" and "hope and positive emotions" were most assessed, while "goal setting" and "using the client's language" were least represented. Only three measures demonstrated sensitivity to client change over time. Recommendations for future research and practice are discussed.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
Published
2026-04-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70133
Primary Topic
Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics
Type
article
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article

A Scoping Review of Solution‐Focused Measures

Cynthia Franklin, Jeeyeon Hong, Zach Cooper
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics
article

A Scoping Review of Solution‐Focused Measures

Cynthia Franklin, Jeeyeon Hong, Zach Cooper
article en

Abstract

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a resource-based model that emphasizes solution-building over problem-solving. This scoping review identified solution-focused (SF) measurement tools, examined their psychometric properties, and explored the conceptualization of a core SFBT construct, namely solution-building. Using the PRISMA guidelines, we searched eight databases, supplemented with citation searching. Eligible studies included the development or validation of SF measures. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria, yielding 11 instruments (seven client-focused and four provider-focused). Measures were applied across diverse disciplines and cultural contexts. The Solution-Building Inventory and Solution-Focused Inventory had the most psychometric evidence. Mapping instruments to SFBT constructs revealed that "strengths and resources" and "hope and positive emotions" were most assessed, while "goal setting" and "using the client's language" were least represented. Only three measures demonstrated sensitivity to client change over time. Recommendations for future research and practice are discussed.

Journal of Marital and Family TherapyVol. 52(2)
University of Georgia (US), The University of Texas at Austin (US)
Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 27%
Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics
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