While the Hill Interaction Matrix was developed as a research instrument to assess interview process, it is also generally useful in any undertaking requiring the evaluation of verbal interaction and, hence, can be used as an aid in modifying communication in order to increase its therapeutic effect. The Hill Interaction Matrix with accompanying…

Examined the effectiveness of an intervention program to prevent conduct problems among the preschool sons of 104 alcoholic fathers. The 10-month intervention combined parent training and marital counseling and had significant positive effects on the children's negative, prosocial, and affective behavior at program termination. Only the prosocial…

We received 38 controlled studies of marital and family therapy (MFT) in alcoholism treatment. We conclude that, when the alcoholic is unwilling to seek help, MFT is effective in helping the family cope better and motivating alcoholics to enter treatment. Specifically, (a) Al-Anon facilitation and referral help family members cope better; (b)…

This study examined child inclusion issues and training marriage and family therapists (MFTs) to treat children. This modified Delphi study utilized a panel of experts, and gathered data through questionnaires and qualitative interviews. Panelists believe children should participate in family therapy sessions for both child and adult problems,…

Ways to establish or improve ministries to African American families and ways to make the church a training center for outreach, prevention, enrichment, and problem solving are explored. Part 1 addresses the spiritual challenge, and points out that the pastor's family is looked on as a model family, and that pastors must learn to be better spouses…

Approximately 50% of American marriages have some sexual dysfunction. Because sexuality is an important part of a person's life, counselors should be sensitive to sexual concerns of their clients. Taking an adequate sex history and highlighting problem areas may increase counseling efficiency. When counselors teach courses on human sexuality, they…

This book, designed for graduate and doctoral level students as well as practicing professionals, provides a comprehensive look at the standards of law and ethics by which mental health professionals must abide. Issues related to ethics and law can be confusing as values and rules change based on client and context. For example, a school counselor…

Discusses specific new laws and programs to strengthen family life suggested in the (N=34) detailed reforms proposed and endorsed by the 1980 White House Conference on Families. Explores four reform possibilities including high school marriage preparation classes, a mandated marriage readiness test, family incorporation, and support for prenatal…

Reviews similarities in criticism of the treatment of women, minorities, and homosexuals by marital and family therapists. Examines the impact these critiques have had on the field and explores areas in which work is still needed. Contains 132 references. (JBJ)

Second in a series of seven volumes containing the proceedings of the 1983 Australian Family Research Conference, this publication deals with family law. Papers and authors included are: "Attitudes of Divorced Men and Women to the Family" (Margaret Harrison), "Dispute Resolution in Australian Family Law" (Henry Finlay),…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 32 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: (1) the analysis of conversational sequencing in group systems; (2) the effects of hearing aids on interpersonal perceptions; (3) styles of communication between…

A survey of 78 deans and directors of graduate programs in social work found that most programs offer course content on marriage counseling or social work with couples. However, less than 40 percent of programs offer a full course in an area that faculty perceive as moderately relevant to all practice settings. (MSE)

This monograph targets what is known about counseling outcomes in various counseling specialities while also providing a comprehensive overview of counseling outcomes research. The individual chapters were selected to focus on what leads to counselor efficacy, defined as the effectiveness of the counselor in bringing about counselor- and/or…

Provides marriage and family therapists with an overview of issues related to the treatment of clients of American-Indian descent. Discusses a rationale for studying the American-Indian population, presents concerns that therapists are likely to encounter, and identifies considerations when engaging in a therapeutic relationship with an…

Relationships between parents of children with special needs and their children are profoundly impacted by the child's special needs. Literature identifies several discrepancies in reported outcomes of these stressors and also speaks to the impact on overall marital satisfaction in these couples. In this project literature findings were reviewed,…