The interaction processes of 25 couples receiving marriage counseling were compared with a control group of 25 couples not receiving counseling. The study was a partial test of a circumplex model of marital and family systems. The major variable was adaptability. Creativity and support were also examined. (Author)

Describes how imagery can lead couples to more constructive perspectives on their Interactions, e.g., when progress in therapy sessions focused on a couple's (family's) communication slows down, therapists can encourage couples to try imagery to understand interactional patterns within their own developmental periods. Provides examples of…

Parents of an adolescent with severe physical disabilities talk with a counselor about their marital problems, which are focused on the financial strains caused by the expenses of sending their daughter to a private school. Counseling focused on the parents' need to reevaluate their own desires. (DB)

Based upon Maslow's hierarchy of human needs, interpersonal attraction (any personal relationship characterized by love and affection; husband-wife, parent-child, friendship) can be seen as the mutual meeting of emotional needs, especially at the fourth level (love needs) and the fifth level (esteem needs). These levels are differentiated into 10…

Presents the Marriage and Family Awareness Program, a three-stage model for Christian counseling, consisting of a James Dobson film, parent groups, and follow-up counseling. The program was offered to over 100 persons in Texas churches. Feedback from participants was positive. Elements of each session are described. (JAC)

The parents of a boy with Down syndrome and two nondisabled girls developed marital conflicts about their roles in managing the home, helping with schoolwork, spending time with the children, and setting realistic expectations for the children. They learned to more clearly express their feelings about their own needs and their children's needs.…

The Inventory of Pre-Marital Conflict (IPMC) is a systematic procedure for the diagnosis and assessment of pre-marital conflict and related issues. The self-report component of the IPMC involves a series of 18 hypothetical conflict situations. The individual responds to each of these by evaluating who is primarily responsible for the problem, and…

The Task Force on Divorce and Divorce Reform was established by the Family Action Section of the National Council on Family Relations in the Fall of 1971. Its purpose was to study divorce in relation to the family, and draft a report which would constitute the basis for action by the NCFR and its members. Since several aspects of divorce were to…

In this paper the results of a longitudinal study of the two years following divorce are presented. Divorced parents (N=48) and their preschool child and a matched group of 48 intact families were studied following divorce. The process of disruption, coping and adjustment by fathers is examined. (Author)

This paper reviews data on the incidence of marital violence and recommends methods of intervention on a family and social level. Myths which may block awareness of this widespread problem are briefly described. Particular attention is given to the inadequacy of the catharsis hypothesis in explaining and treating marital violence. (Author)

This study focuses on event descriptions in two couples' talks about relationship troubles in front of counselors, examining discursive patterns that have a recurring, predictable, sequential pattern. The relationship dynamics of couples' relationship troubles are discussed. (31 references) (MDM)

Empirical findings have supported an inverse relationship between closeness to extended family and friends versus spouse. The three foregoing interpersonal relationships in terms of affective quality, direction and dominance were investigated, using an objective test as well as the TAT. Bellak (1986) considered that the strength of the TAT lies in…

This personal essay highlights a disturbing trend in the increasing divorce rates not only in Nigerian society, but also across the entire globe. The paper notes many cultural differences between how Nigerian society and the Western world perceive divorce, emphasizing that, worldwide, children are always the victims. Of particular concern is the…

Lists and annotates the winning filmstrips, videotapes, and slide sets in the Second Annual National Council of Family Relations Awards Competition held in April 1982. (JAC)

The effects of divorce on children have been greatly disputed among therapists. Since the perceived harmfulness of divorce may affect how marital counseling is done, this study examined how therapists' beliefs about divorce consequences are related to their intervention preferences. A two-part questionnaire was devised to be administered to…