Outlines various factors likely to complicate the process of marital separation and increase the need for intervention. Presents illustrative cases and intervention strategies. (Author/JAC)

Explores how couples cope with marital conflict from the early years of their relationships to the present time. Focuses on conflict management styles from face-to-face confrontation to avoidance, as well as gender and ethnicity influences on styles of coping with conflict. Implications for social work practice are discussed. (Author/MKA)

This article describes one exploratory treatment approach designed to help hostile marital partners reach a point at which each is motivated to solve problems rather than seek revenge. (Author)

Most treatment programs for alcoholics and their families fail to show a systematic understanding of the interaction between the alcoholic, his drinking problem, and the family as a whole. Based on a review of the literature, the author presents a systems approach and ways of utilizing it in practice. (Author)

Examined attitudes toward marital exclusivity, which includes nonsexual extramarital relationships, among female college students (N=379). The diversity of attitudes reported appeared to indicate a great potential for marital conflict over the issue of exclusivity. Implications for work with clients in marital therapy are explored. (Author/NB)

Results of a statistical analysis of a study of battered wives in shelters indicated that the wives' economic dependence on their husbands almost always ensured that they would return to their husbands and that respondents who considered the shelters useful had a higher probability of returning to their husbands. (Author)

In response to soaring divorce rates and liberalized divorce laws, the author proposes a new role for social workers--divorce mediator. Social work skills can be used to lessen the pain couples who are dissolving marriage at the same time that husband and wife are helped to face the future. (Author)

Is there truth in the stereotype of battered women who enjoy being abused and who have a psychological need for abuse? This study of a grass-roots program providing service to battered women presents thought-provoking data on this and other questions related to causes and consequences of domestic violence. (Author)

Whether the union is jeopardized by disappointment, fear of not achieving satisfaction in life, or other problems, the couple in crisis may turn to divorce as the lesser evil. The mediation process is of potential value to those couples who may want to avoid protracted, painful lawsuits. (Author)

Presents a conceptual framework for the family's reorganization after a divorce, viewed as a crisis of family transition. Social workers must be prepared to help a couple with the complex process of terminating spousal roles but continuing and redefining parental roles, which is central to family redefinition. (Author)

The chronically reconstituting family is a normal and appropriate variation to the traditional pattern. Those processes characteristic of the chronically reconstituting family entail significant psychological and social consequences. Careful evaluation of those norms and values that contribute to this process must be the concern of all clinicians.…

The problem of wives who are abused and brutalized by their husbands have been largely ignored. This article demonstrates the isolation of the battered wife as a result of society's failure to assist her and proposes strategies for dealing with wife abuse. (Author)

Discusses the present status and possible future of wife abuse programs in light of public interest in other social problems. Suggests programs must develop the permanent formal structure needed for survival, develop professional standards, and form alliances with established community groups. (JAC)