This paper describes a treatment modality for the seriously disturbed adolescent involving simultaneous family and adolescent group therapy. This model of treatment is based on the premise that the disturbed adolescent is the symptom bearer for both marital and family pathology. Another important theory underlying the treatment modality is that…

In part one of this two-part paper, skills which distress couples need in order to more effectively solve their marital problems were enumerated. In this section, the technology for helping couples to learn to solve problems more effectively is discussed. (Author)

Aspects of American society conducive to separation, sources of strain between partners, beliefs and norms about marital permanence, and evidence as to dissolution precipitating events are examined in the light of the papers in this issue, employing the four factor Kanter model. (Author/AM)

Shows that attorneys are also "at risk" from client suits when client hostility in abused spouse cases is redirected from spouse to attorney. Reveals joint interdisciplinary linkages between family therapists and lawyers concerning vulnerability to client malpractice suits or violence. (ABB)

This paper considers the effects of martial disruption on families and the associated risks to children. It discusses opportunities for reducing risk and fostering the psychological well-being of children and families, through research, carefully designed interventions, and proactive social policies. A theory of resilience as cumulative competence…

Data analyzed from the National Longtitudinal Surveys, female responses (N=3,690), indicated that marital instability increases the need for welfare, AFDC and food stamps. In response, Stephen Bahr questions the conclusions of this study by identifying its methodological limitations. (Author/RC)

Presented at the National Conference of the Forum for Death Education and Counselling, Washington, 1978, this paper explores the effects of childhood malignancy on family dynamics. Problem areas include marital difficulties, forgotten siblings, and the necessity of alternating between a "sick" and "well" world. Constructive approaches are…

Offers a non-evaluative description of family characteristics which may be present in incestuously abusing families. Families referred for treatment (N=48) for ongoing incestuous abuse were studied. Findings indicate that a broad set of systemic variables, rather than singular psychopathology, contribute to the etiology and maintenance of…

An inventory with five subscales was developed to identify major kinds of coping used in dealing with recurring marital problems, based on 368 subjects. The final scale of 64 items was studied to determine the scale-score attributes of subjects sorted for age, sex, education, and years married, and for aspects of validity. (Author/TE)

Examines how the coexisting risk factors of sexual abuse and parental substance use contribute to psychopathology in women. Results indicate that depression, trauma symptoms, antisocial behaviors, and suicidal behaviors are related to childhood experiences of sexual and physical abuse. The need for future research to examine multiple childhood…

The failure of family life is traced to its complex dependence on the capitalist corporate order and the particular sex-based division of labor that is a product of that order. Particular emphasis is given to the woman's special responsibility for the emotional life of her spouse and children. (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)

Investigated the association between levels of marital conflict and the self-esteem of children and adolescents. Results indicated the negative effects of conflict tended to be strongest when children's relationships were poor with both parents. However, for young females, conflict was also negatively related to self-esteem when relationships with…

Characteristics of the family environments of mildly retarded, moderately retarded, and severely retarded children (total N=157) were compared. The impact of the retarded child on family adjustment was greatest for families with severely retarded children, but no differences were observed in the impact of the child on marital adjustment.…

Studied the family history of preschool children (N=1,067). By 6 years, 16 percent of children born to two-parent families experienced a family breakdown. Findings suggest that, once children left the traditional two-parent family, there was a strong possibility they would be exposed to both marriage formation and breakdown. (BH)