Surveys some of the representative literature reflecting attitudes and practices imposed on women addicts or female members of drug/alcohol abusing family systems. Explanations based on a study of healthy family systems are given with interpretations anchored in cultural rather than sexist phenomena. (Author)

Fluctuations in biological processes over time, defined as periodicities, affect all facets of life including family relationships. Periodicities may be a factor in marital and family problems and should be studied by child and family experts. (Author/JAC)

This working paper discusses the effects of recent legislative changes regarding divorce in Australia. The introduction describes the 1975 Family Law Act and gives a summary of its principles. The second section presents background information to the Act and lists the philosophical principles behind its formation. The third section describes…

West Indian family organization has been observed to exhibit relatively greater instances of brittle common law unions, out-of-wedlock births, and female headed households than is the case with other New World populations. Three primary explanations have been given to explain the presence of these patterns: the retention or reinterpretation of…

In American society there seems to be an increasing emphasis on instant gratification and avoidance of pain for its individual members. These two trends-one towards hedonism and the other involving the centrality of the rights of the individual-are closely connected. Both have important effects upon the family. (Author)

Strategies for teaching couples how to solve their marital problems more effectively is an important part of a social learning or behaviorial approach. Couples need to possess and implement certain problem-solving skills not typically present in the repertoires of distressed couples. (Author)

When the husband's loss of job necessitates the wife's taking on the role of main family provider, this can be a major trauma for the whole family. This article examines ways in which the family counselor can help is resolving the crisis. (NG)

The problem of wives who are abused and brutalized by their husbands have been largely ignored. This article demonstrates the isolation of the battered wife as a result of society's failure to assist her and proposes strategies for dealing with wife abuse. (Author)

Considers the question of family policy in terms of "conventional-progressive" interest group perspectives. The conventional perspective is that "family problems" are the result of "breakdown" and can be resolved by reestablishing the status quo ante. Progressive advocates argue that changes in citizens'…

Explores a structural exchange theory of marital interaction. Discusses importance of considering structural and temporal dimensions involved in marital exchange. Suggests examining the influence of the social structure on the cognitive orientations of marital partners and the subsequent exchange relationship. Examines how trust and commitment…

Reports recent research on family violence in eight articles. Deals with issues in wife abuse such as why women leave violent relationships and wife abuse programs. Discusses child abuse, its relationship to maternal employment and maturity, and child stealing. Analyzes the current state of knowledge and research. (JAC)

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…

Presents a description of the authors' experiences in a university counseling center with therapy groups for individuals who had undergone male-female partnership failure. The impact separation and divorce have on individuals, resulting adjustment stages, and corresponding group goals are highlighted. (Author)

Marriages, just like the individuals in them, go through stages of development. Understanding these relatively predictable stages can be helpful to couples, by allaying apprehension, promoting preparation for change, and putting fluctuations into perspective. Research on marital stages and experiences in counseling couples suggest that marriages…

This essay on marriage and family therapy begins with background information on the institutions of marriage and the family, including religious and social forces, and the effects of the industrial revolution on American society. The impact of the two world wars on the social, political, economic, and psychological climate of the United States is…