The effects of individual values upon the development of conflicts and the resolution of marital problems through counseling are explored, using the Interpersonal Growth Scale (IGS). This instrument is described as it evaluates the processes of growing apart and growing together, and notes operating values, determining their functions and…

Uses the Transitionally Unintegrated-Externally Open family system type to address the multiple factors that may enhance or reduce the vulnerability of adolescent marriages. Identifies facilitating and constraining factors on the development of marital system autonomy and competence at the individual, marital, familial, and extra-familial levels.…

The no-fault provisions of the California Family Law Act of 1969 recognized the reality of marital breakdown by removing from the substance and language of the law its strong overtones of moral condemnation. The divorce rate itself remained unaffected. The frequency of spousal support awards declined significantly. (Author/JAC)

The reinforcers that are most potent in affecting the day-to-day satisfaction levels of married couples differ according to the level of distress. Marital distress is characterized by a tendency to react strongly to the delivery of punishers and to respond in kind. (Author)

Describes masters level course for marriage and family therapists that teaches systemic underpinnings of field while also addressing feminist critique of ideas. Notes goal of course is for students to understand and adopt gender sensitive view; students then have a yardstick as they study and evaluate marriage and family therapy theories, observe…

Presents a brief portrait of perceptions of prison life and reactions of family member to the incarceration. Proposes a model for prerelase and postrelease couples and/or family therapy and addresses why this approach often constitutes an "essential part" of the package of services that should be offered prior to and after discharge. (Author/ABL)

Describes the Marriage Contract Game, designed to help couples negotiate relationship and task problems in an explicit, rational manner. Discusses the game's conceptual ties to modes of behavioral family intervention and to the social psychology of bargaining. Concludes with an example of the game's application to a distressed couple. (Author/JAC)

Examines the enrichment process to determine if marriage and family enrichment constitute a new field in education and counseling. Results suggest that progressive improvement in quality of education and counseling for marriage and family may unite the field as they merge into enrichment. The process is defined with its relevant programs. (BEF)

Summarizes and compares accreditation standards in marriage and family counseling/therapy by two accreditation bodies, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Concludes that CACREP and COAMFTE standards are well…

Surrogate motherhood is a path to parenthood filled with legal "potholes" and psychological "rocks." Mental health specialists, especially marital and family therapists, may well be called upon to provide their professional services to people attempting to negotiate it. Introduces a number of potential hazards, presenting the…

Discusses the importance of assessing the impact infertility has on couples/individuals and understanding the relevance of this impact in the context of psychological treatment. Infertility's negative impact can be minimized by therapeutic intervention. Three psychological-behavioral categories for couples are posited, with case studies. (Author)

Presents three models for implementing marriage and family counseling training: community counseling, interdisciplinary, and Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Identifies and discusses related conceptual and pragmatic issues. Concludes by presenting implications for counselor educators. (Author/NB)

The Delphi technique of refining group opinion was used to develop a graduate-level marriage and family therapy curriculum. Questionnaires were employed and 101 content areas met the criteria for inclusion into the final curriculum. Discussed are the similarities and differences of this curriculum and the current "model" AAMFT…

Choice Awareness is a cognitive-affective-behavioral system that goes beyond both communication training and behavioral bartering approaches to marriage enrichment. Couples explore thoughts, feelings, and actions in their relationships and develop personal power in making choices and in taking responsibility for their own lives. (Author)

This is a description of a workshop focusing on the couple in the remarried family, and stressing the development of a balanced, effectively working family system. The workshop content, which functions through didactic presentations, leader-led exercises, group interactions and homework, addresses the following topics: (1) communication…