This article introduces the special section "New Research Findings on Emotionally Focused Therapy." Emotionally focused couple therapy researchers have a strong tradition of outcome and process research and this special section presents new findings from three recent studies. The first study furthers the goal of determining the kinds of clients…

Depression is a heterogeneous disorder with lifetime prevalence of "major depressive disorder" estimated to be 16.2%. Although the disorder is common and impairs functioning, it often goes untreated, with less than adequate response even when treated. We review research indicating the likely value of utilizing currently available, well-validated,…

Client readiness for change is garnering increased interest both conceptually and methodologically. This article describes the reliability, validity, and utility of a measure of readiness for couple relationship change, Schneider's (2003) Stages of Relationship Change Questionnaire (SRCQ). Based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change, the…

This article reviews the research on couple therapy over the last decade. The research shows that couple therapy positively impacts 70% of couples receiving treatment. The effectiveness rates of couple therapy are comparable to the effectiveness rates of individual therapies and vastly superior to control groups not receiving treatment. The…

There is a gap in the Marriage and Family Therapy literature regarding clients', therapists', and family judges' theories of change in relational therapy for family violence. We conducted in-depth interviews with eleven court-referred families, their therapists, and two family judges in Bogota, Colombia. Interviews focused on their expectations of…

Research on divorce during the past decade has focused on a range of topics, including the predictors of divorce, associations between divorce and the well-being of children and former spouses, and interventions for divorcing couples. Methodological advances during the past decade include a greater reliance on nationally representative…

A questionnaire assessed marital and family therapists' willingness to participate in research projects and their use of research in clinical practice. Results indicate a moderate level of research involvement among practitioners. The hypothesis that training in research practice would predict research involvement was only partially supported.…

Argues for the application of Delphi studies in marriage and family therapy (MFT) research. Describes the methodology of the Delphi and discusses Delphi studies that already exist in the MFT literature. Recommendations for the use of Delphi in the MFT field are highlighted. (MKA)

Discusses some of the specific problems associated with the adoption of the family life-cycles (FLC) theory and paradigm in marriage and family therapy (MFT). Four ideas are offered as ways to "re-vision" the FLC paradigm in MFT in the areas of theory, research, and therapy. (Author/MKA)

Summarizes outcome research from 1986 to 1995 relating to the efficacy of specific modalities of marriage and family therapy in treating certain disorders, and updates the chart originally introduced by Gurman, Kniskern, and Pinsof. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed. (Author/MKA)

In this article, I present data from two waves of research on demographic characteristics and practice patterns of marriage and family therapists (MFTs) conducted in 2000 and 2002. The research focuses on the methodological and technological issues in studying this population. Specifically, an online survey with MFTs obtained lower response rates…

A panel of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy approved supervisors generated 771 variables thought to be fundamental to positive marriage and family therapy (MFT) outcome, and rated 217 of these variables as very important to the successful outcome of MFT. The variables were collapsed into five categories and further condensed…

Marital and family therapy has gained credibility and emerged as a viable treatment approach for most mental health problems. The field is beginning to develop integrative conceptual models, utilize clinically relevant assessment techniques, conduct systematic outcome research, and develop preventative and enrichment programs. (Author)

The future of the profession and practice of marriage and family therapy (MFT) rests with those who promote the integration of research and clinical practice. The Boulder scientist-practitioner model is useful in conceptualizing MFT training, but it is not the perfect solution. Four MFT programs (two master's and two doctoral) are featured in this…

This survey of 265 social work graduate students indicates that, although most students are committed to social work and express a strong interest in traditional social work client groups and practice, they plan to enter private practice as therapists. (Author/MLW)