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)

An annotated listing of the films entered in the National Council on Family Relations film awards competition. The 13 winners are indicated. (Author/HMV)

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 describes one exploratory treatment approach designed to help hostile marital partners reach a point at which each is motivated to solve problems rather than seek revenge. (Author)

This paper presents an empirical approach to supervision and training of marriage and family therapists. Advantages from the use of the empirical approach include a systematic investigation of the skills and competencies of the therapists, and establishing the basis for the scientific study of supervision. Two case studies are given. (Author)

Examined the value of assessing affect and attitudes in addition to daily behavior in the prediction of marital satisfaction. Multiple regression analyses and semipartial correlations indicated that the affective and attitudinal variables accounted for more unique variance in marital satisfaction than did the behavioral variables. (Author/ABB)

Outlines a treatment approach integrating behavioral and marital interventions for working with agoraphobics and their partners. Where interactions arouse anxiety, agoraphobes and significant others become embroiled in a circular transaction which causes mutual resentment and entrenched symptomatology. Suggests a method to help develop a…

Examines the use of the small group modality for providing helping services in religious settings and the use of religious-spiritual content in small helping groups. Includes a review and critique of various types of services, including group therapy, marital treatment, marriage enrichment, growth groups, and assertion training. (Author/ABB)

Reviews conceptual and methodological advances in understanding attributional processes in intimate relationships. Studies are organized according to their focus on general versus specific components of attribution making, and their use of distressed versus nondistressed samples. Results offer strong evidence of the importance of attributional…

Presents an integrative definition of the therapeutic alliance that conceptualizes individual, couple and family therapy as occurring within the same systemic framework. The implications of this concept for therapy reserach are examined. Three new systematically oriented scales to measure the alliance are presented along with some preliminary data…

Describes the purpose, procedures, resources, guidelines, content, and normative data of the North Carolina Marital and Family Therapy Certification Examination as a frame of reference for the development of other licensing and certification instruments. Presents guidelines toward the development of a national marital and family therapy…

Examines the Marriage Contract Game which can improve the skills of distressed couples and refocus their attention away from their children and toward their own marriages. Subjects were four distressed couples. Results showed that game play improved couple's problem-solving and positive feeling statements in home discussions of problems. (BH)

Addresses ethical issues in the engagement and termination phases of marital and family therapy. Engagement phase must examine commitment to systemic intervention versus serving motivated clients. Termination phase must examine client's and therapist's ways of managing readiness, prematurity, and follow-up. Proposed solutions are suggested. (ABL)

Features an examination of the ethical issues affecting decisions for serving clients when systemic intervention is indicated but critical family members resist engagement. Discussion focuses on conceptual and empirical information concerning engagement for systemic intervention as well as possible solutions to ethical dilemmas that affect…