This paper uses a script theory framework to suggest why there are important attitude-behavior discrepancies concerning extramarital behavior, and how these differences affect therapy. Extramarital behavior emerges as a complex phenomenon which requires a high degree of knowledge, sensitivity, and recognition of individual differences on the part…

Reviews the various meanings of the words "normal,""functional," and "healthy," and suggests greater caution and guidelines for the use of these words to avoid ambiguity and erroneous implications. (Author)

This paper summarizes the current use and abuse of co-therapy. The reported clinical experiences of several co-therapist teams, including spouse co-therapists, are also discussed. It appears that co-therapy will remain controversial until outcomes are rigorously measured and compared with the results of other therapeutic modalities in a…

This article advocates the use of a problem-oriented approach for the measurement of change in patient status. The objective is to elicit a small number of specific and important problematic behaviors. Therapists can then rate changes in these behaviors periodically. (Author)

This paper offers a comparative analysis of the process of conjoint marital therapy within the three major contemporary models of treatment: (1) psychoanalytic; (2) behavioral; and (3) systems theory. On the basis of this comparative analysis, some thoughts toward the future of marital therapy are offered. (Author)

"Marriage" is treated as a mental concept that evolves in a developmental sequence of four qualitatively distinct stages: Magical, Idealized Conventional, Individualistic, and Affirmational. Each stage is illustrated with excerpts from Ingmar Bergman's Scenes From a Marriage. Some applications for marriage counselors are suggested. (Author)

The author focuses on the needs that married couples try to satisfy at the level of nonconsciousness and which, as a rule, produce problems at the cognitive and behavioral levels. Suggestions for the marital therapist are included. (Author)

The authors propose the utilization of IDENTICOM as a mechanism for alleviating marital difficulties within the family unit. IDENTICOM is based on a combination of a behavioral and phenomenological model, using video tapes. (Author)

The courtship contracts serve as conceptual frames of reference to understand the normative structure and the psychodynamic components in distress. The contract established during courtship is explored in order to develop, during the time of marital crisis, explicitly negotiated standards. The goal is to re-educate the spouses to meet each others'…

This paper discusses couple decision making with reference to family planning. A decision process is suggested that involves three central factors: (1) the motivations of each partner; (2) the level of incentive to resolve their differences; and (3) the ability of the spouses to perceive, conceptualize, and communicate about their differences.…

Conceptualized the interplay of religious, cultural, psychological, and interpersonal dynamics as they are related to the etiology and treatment of sexual dysfunctions within this group. Shows that the Jewish laws and values create an ambience whereby successful treatment of dysfunctions occurs through the resolution of key marital difficulties.…

This article discusses the common difficulties in involving male clients in the marital therapy process. The modeling of feeling expression, however, is effective in encouraging self-disclosure. It is also suggested that the therapist bring up the feelings of a power struggle if existant. Co-therapists may also be effective. (LPG)

With an aim toward encouraging more precise identification and treatment of familial dysfunction, the authors suggest combing the principles of first- and second-order change with the concept of the family life cycle. A theoretical discussion is followed by clinical case examples. (Author)

An overview is constructed of a substantial array of space and action techniques of broad utility in marriage and family therapy. Roots of these techniques and their basic concepts are traced. A heuristic typology is presented which highlights the essential interrelatedness of diverse methods and lays foundation for further innovation. (Author)

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…