Suggests that, for some research, interviewing spouses together leads to data being generated that could not be obtained from individual interviews. Interaction of the spouses promotes a fuller presentation of the matter under discussion. This interaction is observed directly and thus can be used as data. (Author/BEF)

Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) for couples was compared to pharmacotherapy in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Both interventions were equally effective in symptom reduction. Results suggest EFT might be useful in the treatment of comorbid major depressive disorder and relational distress. (Contains 34 references and 1 figure.) (GCP)

Examines developments in empirical research in family therapy training since Kniskern and Gurman's (1979) review. Assesses present knowledge concerning training outcomes in marital and family therapy from six studies of the development of instruments for measuring the outcome of training and nine studies which actually evaluate training outcome.…

Drawing on earlier research, compares religion and spirituality. Defines spirituality and discusses spirituality research in relation to marital satisfaction, healthy marital and family functioning, assessment, and clinical practice. Findings indicate a significant positive relationship between satisfaction and spirituality in marriages and…

Couples whose early wounds cause narcissistic and borderline defenses may benefit from treatment with a psychodynamically oriented couples therapist. This article presents a treatment method that helps partners become attuned to each other's underlying injuries and vulnerabilities. The goal is to rebuild damaged structures of the self and to…

Describes a multidimensional model for providing comprehensive mental health consultation to Head Start programs. Explores the skills necessary for marriage and family therapists to work effectively as systems consultants. Recommendations are made for applying the model in both university and private settings. (Author/MKA)

Empirical research on behavioral marital therapy (BMT) was reviewed and it was concluded that BMT, with its emphasis on working on a strictly behavioral level with married couples, was an effective form of therapy. Six component analysis studies were then examined which showed a general trend in the studies indicating that strictly behavioral…

Men and women see themselves as contributing different types of resources to relationships. Women feel they contribute particularistic resources--resources directed toward particular persons; men feel they contribute universalistic resources--resources directed toward any occupant of some position. Men and women have accumulated very different…

When training counseling students it is increasingly important to acquaint them with the clinical research literature exploring the efficacy of a particular treatment. In order to facilitate this educational process, some reviews of empirically supported treatments (ESTs) concerning marital problems are provided here. ESTs, also called…

Reviews 19 research studies on the Minnesota Couple Communication Program (CCP) which indicates an immediate positive effect on communication behavior and relationship satisfaction. Found CCP does not alter reported levels of self-disclosure or self-esteem. Positive changes persisted in some studies, but evidence of the durability of effects is…

Presents a picture of the current situation in the United States with regard to training psychiatric residents in marital therapy. The author argues for more intensive training in the field of psychotherapy. The foundation for psychiatric residency training should be the psychotherapeutic experiences that mature and grow the budding clinician.…

Reviews the significance of accreditation in marital and family therapy and the role of the Committee on Accreditation of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Accreditation of educational and training facilities through a sound process can facilitate development and maintenance of quality preparation. Accredited programs are…

Recent developments and problems in the field of premarital counseling are discussed. Premarital counseling is taken more seriously by religious organizations requiring more counseling sessions. Attention is given to the need for better premarital counselors and for more systematic evaluation of the impact of premarital counseling strategies.…

Reviews a number of inventories designed to measure dimensions of family systems theory and then provides a discussion of family systems assessment. Includes discussions of two couple's inventories, eight nuclear family inventories, and two family of origin inventories. Concludes that counselor educators must have understanding of marriage and…

Reviews and gives an overview of counseling techniques covering 10 topic areas related to marriage and family functioning that are used in assessment and diagnosis. Examines assessment and its relationship to diagnosis, with special reference to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual series. (JPS)