A recently developed theory of marital dissolution that utilizes a systems perspective is briefly presented. The theory was derived from almost 1,300 propositions in extant literature, and is readily understandable to layman, practitioner, and academician. Implications contained within the theory for those concerned with saving floundering marital…

This article examines the four options a couple has upon reaching the conclusion that their present marriage is at an end. The options are staying together as they are "for the children", divorcing with "blame's the game", a "re-built" marriage, or a "victimless" divorce. (Author)

"Feeling happy" focuses on the syndrome of self-indulgence, self-actualization or self-fulfillment as antagonistic to the survival of marital agreement. Inspite of the obvious redeeming qualities of either spouse the unhappy partner opts for divorce. The article posits the familial advantages of responsiblity and commitment and reviews the older…

With the increasing divorce rate, new, alternative therapeutic approaches to marital therapy are necessary. Instead of looking at the marital relationship as a closed system, it should be treated from an intergenerational point of view. This involves working on the interlocking between horizontal and linear relationships in the nuclear family.…

This paper offers an overview of existing services for divorcing individuals and their children, and focuses specifically on one model of divorce counseling. Emerging trends are identified as the monograph addresses the practical, financial, emotional and social services now offered in the U.S. The bulk of the document is devoted to the format,…

Loss through divorce, frequently involves a higher need for counseling than loss through death because the client frequntly receives a devalued self-concept when an active choice is made to terminate the relationship. The model presented has proven to be effective in assisting clients to reevaluate self-worth in a constructive manner. (Author)

Presents a discussion of issues which may be unique in therapy with divorcing clergy, focusing on the overlap between the minister's marital and occupational roles, and the extent to which such overlap influences the divorce and adjustment process. Special concerns of the divorced clergy are described. (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)

An increasing percentage of weddings today are remarriages. The urgent need for counseling in preparation for, and in the context of, remarriage deserves recognition. Yet remarriage counseling is a neglected topic at professional conventions, in research studies and among marriage and family counselors. This kind of marital relationship exhibits a…

In Australia, the institutions of marriage and family are changing as reflected by the statistics on separation, divorce, and remarriage. Recent figures reveal an increase in divorce in the earlier years of marriage as well as a dramatic increase in the number of remarriages occuring across all age groups. Under the Family Law Act the government…

In spite of some initial disappointments, the large number of publications and government services devoted to prevention suggests that preventive mental health has established its place in the mental health delivery system. Prevention is broadly defined as an attempt to reduce the prevalence of a disorder. Traditionally, prevention has been…

Counselors should begin to think not only of the needs of children involved in the process of their parents' divorce, but of an approach to marriage counseling as a whole. Children participate in the context of divorce as family members in the social interaction that makes a family work or not work; there are, therefore, various stages or points…