The case study analyzes the interactions of a family with a physically handicapped child during periods of change. It is pointed out that the child became the "scapegoat" over problems between husband and wife. (CL)

One cause of marriage difficulty is the unconsciously motivated selection of an incompatible mate through the process of a counterphobic mechanism. Definition of counterphobia is given, along with brief examples and comments. (EK)

Systematic training in interpersonal communication skills was conducted with partners in deteriorated marriages who acknowledged a low level of communication as a major problem. The results indicated that trained couples improved significantly in their interpersonal skills and in their ability to elicit self-exploration from their spouse. The…

In response to need for framework within which to fit therapeutic interventions, introduces some theoretical considerations about relevancy of communications to disrupted marriages. Presents advisable cases for counselor intervention. (Author)

To facilitate conflict resolution, couples must develop instrumental rather than terminal hypotheses which encourage problem solving and positive behavior change. (CJ)

Couples (N=50) were interviewed conjointly, and spouses were rated separately on a 61-item checklist to demonstrate the actuarial validity of the marital satisfaction inventory. Findings supported the basic interpretive intent of individual scales and demonstrated convergent validity. (Author)

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…