Describes the development of a personalized version of the Spouse Observation Checklist (SOC), using computer word processing functions to delete neutral and irrelevant items. Comparison of the original and revised checklists with 22 married individuals indicated no significant differences between dependent variables on the two versions. (JAC)

This review examines the impact of impairment on marital relationships of the elderly and barriers to therapeutic treatment. The training and skills needed to work with the elderly in a therapeutic setting and behavioral therapy approaches are also discussed. (Author/BL)

Reports on the results of a survey of psychiatrists and residents who received marital and family therapy training during their second year of residency. Data indicate that such training has an immediate positive effect on practice and is carried forward into later practice. (Author/BL)

Research was conducted to identify the most prolific journal writers in the field, and 18 persons were surveyed in order to ascertain how they organized themselves personally and professionally, in order to write productively. The results are analyzed, and recommendations are made regarding the organization of oneself for publishing success.…

Compared the relative effectiveness of behavioral marital therapy (BMT) with two of its major components, behavior exchange (BE) and communication/problem-solving training (CPT), in married couples seeking therapy (N=36). Results showed that complete BMT was no more effective than either BE or CPT at posttest. (LLL)

Contrasted marriage and family therapy dropouts and completers on interventions they were exposed to over the course of therapy and during the initial session. Results showed families completing therapy were exposed to such interventions as firming up appropriate boundaries, escalating conflict, establishing individual boundaries, and advice…

Excerpts from counseling sessions highlight the effects of a developmentally delayed, autistic-like child upon a marriage and family. The counselor points out the parents' continuing frustrations from not receiving clear guidelines and notes the importance of a case manager. (CL)

Outlines a strategic approach to depression and gives reasons for initially working with each spouse separately. Three interrelated aspects of depressive marital situations are distinguished: (1) the unsatisfying marriage; (2) the distress of the depressed person; and (3) the spouse's response. A case example is provided. (JAC)

Describes structured marital separation, an intervention method designed to assist distressed marital couples during their critical period of decision making either to divorce or maintain the marriage. Presents a brief review of separation models and addresses separation counseling including: assessment, contracting, initial adjustment to…

Reviews contemporary literature which provides a theoretical base for female-male co-therapy teams as the most likely modality to mediate sex bias in couple counseling. An egalitarian co-therapy team can encourage change by modeling independent yet mutually supportive and facilitative roles. (JAC)

The International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC) is an organization dedicated to advancing the practice, training, and research of marriage and family counselors. This chapter presents the IAMFC's code of ethics which promulgates a framework for ethical practice by IAMFC members and is divided into eight sections: client…

A controlled study involving group selection of content material to be role-played, videotape feedback of the role-playing situation, and effects on the self-image of disturbed marital couples is presented. A follow-up gives evidence that such a procedure may produce a high "casualty" rate in disturbed married couples.

Systematic training in interpersonal communication skills was conducted with partners in deteriorated marriages who acknowledged a low level of communication as a major problem. The results indicated that trained couples improved significantly in their interpersonal skills and in their ability to elicit self-exploration from their spouse. The…

In response to need for framework within which to fit therapeutic interventions, introduces some theoretical considerations about relevancy of communications to disrupted marriages. Presents advisable cases for counselor intervention. (Author)