Examined the extent and dimensions of the process of segmentation within the family therapy movement by comparing the belief and action systems of 1000 family therapists oriented to one of three major models of family therapy. Findings depicted a unique patterning of similarities and differences among the three models. (Author)

Describes a behavioral problem-solving package designed to train negotiation and emotional expression skills. Training consisted of modeling, behavioral rehearsal, and feedback regarding the rehearsal. Training was associated with increases in target, nontarget, and subjective behaviors, thereby demonstrating generalized treatment effects. (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…

Investigated relationship between locus of control and marital stability of young men. Factors derived from locus of control measures included leadership, personal, and fate scales. Results indicated the only significant difference was on the leadership scale between men remaining married and those who did not. (RC)

Whether the union is jeopardized by disappointment, fear of not achieving satisfaction in life, or other problems, the couple in crisis may turn to divorce as the lesser evil. The mediation process is of potential value to those couples who may want to avoid protracted, painful lawsuits. (Author)

Presents multivaried strategies for intervention which integrate major behavioral and family systems treatment techniques. A discussion of the development of family rules from a behavioral point of view is presented as an example of conceptual integration. (Author)

Rapprochement among competing methods and views of marital and family therapy constitutes a major creative challenge for the field in the 1980s. Although integrative efforts have begun, psychodynamic understanding of intimate relationships is necessary for continuation of integrative process growth. (Author/NRB)

Certain factors limit marital therapists in dealing with individuals conflicted over and disenchanted about "traditional" marriage: 1) the therapist's gender; 2) the presence of sex-role stereotyped behaviors and expectations; and 3) the therapist's own marital experience. Specific helpful experiences and therapeutic techniques are discussed.…

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)

Research indicating that couples' social support skills predict marital outcomes two years later, above and beyond conflict-management skills, is reported. Successful prevention and treatment programs may need to incorporate support-skills training as well as conflict-management training. Specific techniques are recommended for teaching…

For mysterious reasons only a small proportion of couples with relationship problems seek counseling. This qualitative study included 36 women and 16 men in structured small group discussions. Questions concerned attitudes to relationship counseling. Both groups expressed denial of the problems in the relationship, the seriousness of these…

For religious couples, Deity's influence in their marriage is often experienced through prayer, and Deity may more significantly influence religious couples' interaction than anyone else. As a preliminary test of this hypothesis, spouses completed a Likert-scaled questionnaire pertaining to prayer and marital conflict. Issues surrounding clinical…

Summarizes the experience of a two-year project to promote partnerships between 12 graduate Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) training programs and their 12 local Head Start partners. Results reflect the rich experiences of MFT faculty, supervisors, interns, and Head Start staff. Recommendations are made to improve collaboration between MFTs and…

Ninety men with alcohol problems and their female partners were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 outpatient conjoint treatments: alcohol behavioral couples therapy (ABCT), ABCT with relapse prevention techniques (RP/ABCT), or ABCT with interventions encouraging Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) involvement (AA/ABCT). Couples were followed for 18 months after…

Religion and spirituality are important aspects of multicultural competency for therapists to consider given the religious culture in America. Researchers have found that more than 90% of Americans claim either a Protestant or Catholic religious affiliation (Keller, 2000), 40% of Americans attend religious services on a weekly basis, and more than…