A three-part training model in diagnosing marital and family systems is described. The first unit introduced diagnostic tools and techniques. The second focuses on family systems theory and its relation to diagnosis. The third integrates the derived theory of diagnosing marital and family systems with clinical application. (Author)

"Reciprocity," a social simulation game based on exchange theory, was developed to study dynamics of power relationships in the context of marriage and the family. The manner in which Reciprocity may be used to study power in family relationships is illustrated in terms of a husband-wife and a parent-teen version. (Author)

The case study analyzes the family situation in which parents of an institutionalized severely brain damaged son cannot agree over the child's return for the summer. The two daughters and the parents were helped to discuss the situation and improve their communication. (CL)

Outlines a treatment approach integrating behavioral and marital interventions for working with agoraphobics and their partners. Where interactions arouse anxiety, agoraphobes and significant others become embroiled in a circular transaction which causes mutual resentment and entrenched symptomatology. Suggests a method to help develop a…

Investigates the relationship between consanguineous marriage and marital adjustment in Turkey. The results of the study show that the consanguineous marriage group had significantly lower marital adjustment and had more conflict with extended family than the nonconsanguineous marriage group. The finding is discussed in the context of research and…

This study completed the initial stages in the development of the Johnson In-Law Attitude Scale, which is an instrument designed to measure attitudes toward one's family of in-laws, both before and during the marriage, and relationships with parents. A thorough review of literature relative to in-laws is included. The study revealed that the…

Excerpts from counseling sessions highlight the effects of a developmentally delayed, autistic-like child upon a marriage and family. The counselor points out the parents' continuing frustrations from not receiving clear guidelines and notes the importance of a case manager. (CL)

This information analysis paper is based on a computer search of the ERIC database from November 1966 through March 1984, and on pertinent outside resources related to marriage and family counseling. A brief historical perspective of the field of marriage and family counseling is provided, and the differences and overlaps between family,…

Frequently the motive for divorce is neurotic. This paper calls attention to one such motive: reaction to disappointment by a significant parent-in-law, which may go unnoticed by both the therapist and the patient who has come for help at the time when the marriage is disintegrating. (Author)

The factual basis for therapy and family advice urging "leveling" in the sense of giving fre expression to aggressive feelings is reviewed and results presented of a study which tested the hypothesis that verbal aggression is a substitute for physical aggression. Presented at National Council on Family Relations, 1973. (Author)

This digest provides an overview of basic family counseling concepts for counselors whose specialty is in an area other than marriage and family counseling. The author notes that there are two pivotal areas the counselor and client must address upon deciding to involve a family in the client's counseling sessions: how to get the family to come…

This paper describes how a family diagnostic instrument has been utilized and what advantages it may have as a tool for family therapy. (Author)

Reports a case of multiple personality in which therapy was directed at the marital couple, rather than focusing on the multiple personality. The functions of the symptom in the areas of impulse discharge, superego operation, boundaries of closeness-distance, and self-object representations for the couple and family are discussed. (Author/JAC)

Examined the effects of marital disruption upon divorcing men. Factors associated with poor adjustment included preseparation help seeking, weak social networks outside the marital relationship, difficulties at work and a continuing relatively intense relationship with the spouse and children. Suggests successful adjustment may require a set of…

Evaluated Holland's methods for characterizing person-environment interactions. Marital partners were assigned to one of four categories based on combinations of Holland variables. In general, men and women with high spouse congruence and high personality consistency obtained higher scores on general measures of marital and self-satisfaction.…