Showing papers in "American Journal of Family Therapy in 1984"
TL;DR: The major principles, goals and specific terms of contextual therapy, along with the methods employed in its clinical application are examined.
Abstract: Family therapy expanded rapidly after surfacing in the 1950s. Contextual family therapy was developed by Dr. Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy in response to behavior that appeared to have destructive loyalty implications. This article examines the major principles, goals and specific terms of contextual therapy, along with the methods employed in its clinical application. It is hoped that this clarification of the theory and methodology of contextual family therapy will increase its usefulness for clinicians.
102 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review examines couple complementarity and similarity, and their relationship to dyadic adjustment, from three perspectives: social/psychological research, clinical populations research, and the observations of family therapists.
Abstract: This review examines couple complementarity and similarity, and their relationship to dyadic adjustment, from three perspectives: social/psychological research, clinical populations research, and the observations of family therapists. Methodological criticisms are discussed suggesting that the evidence for a relationship between similarity and attraction/satisfaction has been erroneously overstated. The views of family theorists emphasizing the role of complementary structures in dyads are presented, as well as a model of “failed” complementarity as a source of marital dissatisfaction. The few clinical studies available indicate that similarity is associated with marital success and is less associated with marital instability and divorce. Evidence suggests that dissimilarity per se is associated with instability and divorce. Within troubled dyads, there is some implication of a mechanism of stability-maintaining complementarity, as well as spousal differences in level of general emotionalism. Cli...
47 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the types of elective mutism and common characteristics of the families of the mutists' families is presented. And the potential for a redefinition of the term "elective mutisms" is examined.
Abstract: Elective mutism in children is a relatively rare symptom which is more prevalent in the kindergarten population and has a higher incidence among immigrant families. Treatment strategies for this silent symptom include speech therapy, behavior modification, psychoanalytic, psychotherapeutic, family systems and a combination of these approaches. This paper reviews the types of elective mutism and proposes common characteristics of elective mutists' families. The potential for a redefinition of the term “elective mutism” is examined. It is concluded that family dynamics are an integral part of the elective mutism problem and need to be considered in a comprehensive treatment plan.
45 citations
TL;DR: The first issue in which the Family Measurement Techniques section appears in The American Journal of Family Therapy as mentioned in this paper, reviewers have been asked to consider two issues: instrument construction and clinical utility, and the issues of importance for practicing therapists, for example, length of time required for administration and scoring, degree of expertise or training needed for adm...
Abstract: This is the first issue in which the Family Measurement Techniques section appears in The American Journal of Family Therapy. I hope that you, the readers of the journal. will find it helpful in your clinical work with couples and families. In each issue, instruments, procedures and assessment techniques will be reviewed by clinicians who have expertise in the areas of marital/family measurement and evaluation. Reviewers have been asked to consider two issues: instrument construction and clinical utility. Instrument construction deals with the theoretical underpinnings of the technique or procedure, the adequacy with which major theoretical concepts and constructs have been operationalized, the sampling procedures used in instrument construction, and the reliability and validity of the measurement technique. Clinical utility deals with issues of importance for practicing therapists, for example, length of time required for administration and scoring, degree of expertise or training needed for adm...
36 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors defined inhibited sexual desire as a relational phenomenon which may best be treated in the marital context, and proposed a structural family therapy treatment strategy for ISD cases.
Abstract: The treatment of inhibited sexual desire (ISD) has traditionally focused on individual dysfunction. In this paper, ISD is defined as a relational phenomenon which may best be treated in the marital context. The function of the symptom of ISD as it relates to the central marital issues of power, intimacy, and boundaries is also addressed. A structural family therapy treatment strategy for ISD cases is outlined and illustrated in a case example.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors further delineate the factors which influence the concordant perceptions of distressed and nondistressed husbands and wives and trained coders who observed samples of marital conflict resolution.
Abstract: This investigation sought to further delineate the factors which influence the concordant perceptions of distressed and nondistressed husbands and wives and trained coders who observed samples of marital conflict resolution. Twenty-eight couples entering marital therapy and 28 volunteer “happy” couples repeatedly rated five-minute videotaped samples of their own and a stranger couple's problem solving. These tapes were also scored by trained coders using the Marital Interaction Coding System. Correlational analyses suggested greater insider-outsider perceptual agreement for distressed than nondistressed couples and for negative than positive behavior being rated. Intracouple agreement was higher when couples rated their own versus stranger problem solving. After minimal training, only the distressed partners increased their agreement for their own problem solving. Findings are discussed in light of previous research.
30 citations
TL;DR: The behavioral couples group used behavioral rehearsal and weekly homework assignments to help couples: 1) decrease drinking and alcohol-related interactions by making an Antabuse Contract and discussing relapse prevention; 2) plan shared recreational activities; 3) notice, acknowledge, and initiate daily caring behaviors; 4) learn communication skills of listening, expressing feelings directly, and the use of planned communication sessions; and negotiate desired changes using positive specific requests, compromise, and written agreements as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: This paper presents in detail the clinical procedures from a study in progress comparing behavioral with nonbehavioral couples group therapy for male alcoholics. Methods used to recruit and prepare couples for both types of therapy are presented. The interactional couples group provided feedback on current negative interaction patterns and suggested changes in couple behavior but did not use behavioral rehearsal or specific homework assignments. The behavioral couples group used behavioral rehearsal and weekly homework assignments to help couples: 1) decrease drinking and alcohol-related interactions by making an Antabuse Contract and discussing relapse prevention; 2) plan shared recreational activities; 3) notice, acknowledge, and initiate daily caring behaviors; 4) learn communication skills of listening, expressing feelings directly, and the use of planned communication sessions; and 5) negotiate desired changes using positive specific requests, compromise, and written agreements. Methods for ...
22 citations
TL;DR: In this article, Navran's adapted version of the Primary Communication Inventory (PCI) appears to be reliable and valid measures in identifying differences between “happy” and “counseling” married couples' communications over two time periods and across different selected samples.
Abstract: Sixteen significantly different marital communication practices were identified which distinguished happily married individuals from those undergoing counseling. These results provide support for and are an extension of Navran's seminal work on marital communication. At least nine items from Navran's adapted version of the Primary Communication Inventory (PCI) appear to be reliable and valid measures in identifying differences between “happy” and “counseling” married couples' communications over two time periods and across different selected samples. As predicted, comparisons between 23 couples happily married and 23 couples undergoing counseling revealed that happy individuals had significantly more congruency between their self-perceptions and their spouse's perceptions of their communication practices. Also, happy couples' marital adjustment scores were more congruent than the counseling couples'. Analyses comparing the results of this study and the initial study lead to suggestions for design...
21 citations
TL;DR: Why the field of therapy has not been influenced by the focus on marriage is examined and the dyad does not seem to be a conceptual unit on which theory can be built.
Abstract: This paper reviews the differences between family therapy and marriage counseling in terms of professional organization, theory and practice. Why the field of therapy has not been influenced by the focus on marriage is examined. The dyad does not seem to be a conceptual unit on which theory can be built. Considering the wider social network, the family therapist views the marital dyad as one of a variety of subgroups within the family network. Training in marriage therapy does not appear to be adequate for doing therapy with families. The admission of the categories of marriage and family therapists to the existing clinical professions multiplies the problems of training and credentializa-tion in the field. The goal of the therapy field should be more consensus in theory and a single profession of therapists.
20 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of assertiveness training of one partner in a couple on both partner's perceptions of trust and intimacy in their relationship was assessed, and the results suggest that assertion training has a positive effect on both partners' perceptions.
Abstract: The effect of assertiveness training of one partner in a couple on both partner's perceptions of trust and intimacy in their relationship was assessed. Twenty-six assertiveness trainees and their 26 nonparticipating partners completed the Interpersonal Relationship Scale (IRS) pre- and posttraining. Eighteen persons who were on a waiting list for assertion training and their 18 partners also completed the IRS. Assertion trainees and their nonparticipating partners perceived significantly higher levels of trust and intimacy in their relationships following assertion training, compared to the waiting list control group. Non-participating partners did not significantly differ from assertion trainees in their perceptions of their relationships. Results suggest that assertion training of one partner in a couple has a positive effect on both partners' perceptions.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, MCCP and Structured Behavioral Exchange (SBE) were compared with a waiting list control group through a multivariate repeated measures procedure, and the results indicated a general short-term improvement for both groups, but a need for follow-up experiences to maintain treatment gains.
Abstract: MCCP and Structured Behavioral Exchange training were compared with a waiting list control group through a multivariate repeated measures procedure. Both treatments had, for husbands, a greater immediate impact on communication content, while for wives, the greater immediate impact was upon communication style. Over a 120 day posttest period, both MCCP and SBE training were found to increase perceived relationship quality, though more quickly for wives than for husbands. While there were no significant main group effects, there were significant group by time interactions and main effects for time. Results indicate a general short-term improvement for both groups, but a need for follow-up experiences to maintain treatment gains.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the therapeutic process inherent in the work of Virginia Satir and major conceptualizations and interventions are discussed and explored, as well as major conceptualization and interventions.
Abstract: This article discusses the therapeutic process inherent in the work of Virginia Satir. Major conceptualizations and interventions are discussed and explored.
TL;DR: The legal position of grandparents in custodial matters remains somewhat ambiguous as discussed by the authors, however, recently legislation has granted grandparents the right to seek visitation, which represents an awareness on the part of the court that grandparents and grandparenting may be a significant factor in actualizing the best interests of the child.
Abstract: Most custody decisions are made in courts hewing to the concept “the best interests of the child. “Most professionals agree that children suffer from a fractured family situation; they disagree on the degree to which children suffer at various stages of growth and development. There is a lack of agreement as to what constitutes a child's best interests. Recent research suggests that grandparents may play a very significant role in the entire life cycle of children. The legal position of grandparents in custodial matters remains somewhat ambiguous. Recently legislation has granted grandparents the right to seek visitation. This represents an awareness on the part of the court that grandparents and grandparenting may be a significant factor in actualizing the best interests of the child.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors make a case for shadow reality in dose relationships, i.e., alternative reality not now in the relationship reality but at times available to people in the relationships.
Abstract: Starting from phenomenological theories about the negotiation of reality in dose relationships, a case is made for Shadow Realities in such relationships. Shadow realities are integrated alternative realities, not now in the relationship reality but at times available to people in the relationship. Shadow realities include unacceptable and threatening information and interpretations that fit the relationship and could undermine the negotiated relationship reality. The article offers theoretical discussion of what may be in these shadow realities, reasons people avoid them, what the gains and risks are for a couple of exploring their shadow realities, and the therapeutic applications of understanding and doing therapy within a framework that includes shadow realities.
TL;DR: In this article, a self-help behavioral marital bibliotherapy program was evaluated with five clinical distressed couples via a multiple baseline analysis, which involved the weekly introduction of both reading and exercise material.
Abstract: The present study reports an attempt to validate a self-help behavioral marital bibliotherapy program. Five clinical distressed couples were evaluated via a multiple baseline analysis. Dependent measures included both pre-post and continuous forms of assessment. Treatment involved the weekly introduction of both reading and exercise material. Topics included communications, problem solving, sexual dysfunction, maintaining relationship gains, etc. With the exception of a decrease in laboratory-assessed negative behaviors, results were highly variable and generally reflective of minimal change. These findings were discussed with regard to measurement failure, manipulation of the independent variable, and continued examination of marital self-help materials.
TL;DR: In this article, common sources of family strains and gains are examined, along with case examples illustrating different forms of accommodation and possible subsequent problematic behavior, and strategies for stress reduction are presented and therapeutic guidelines offered.
Abstract: Dual-career couples represent an increasingly prevalent, although nontradi-tional, marital arrangement. Its consequent impact on the usual family role structure may be considerable and lead to special interpersonal strains. The ideal of jointly shared attitudes regarding the equalization of power and domestic responsibilities as well as the jointly held belief in the career advancement of each partner is not always achieved in practice. Common sources of family strains and gains are examined in this paper, along with case examples illustrating different forms of accommodation and possible subsequent problematic behavior. Strategies for stress reduction are presented and therapeutic guidelines offered.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors apply stage-of-development concepts to the process of divorce, where each individual is in his or her individual life cycle development in terms of chronological age, emotional maturity, cognitive functioning, career status and aims, and child rearing.
Abstract: Only recently have stage of development concepts been applied to the process of divorce. Formulations about continuum of feelings, tasks to be accomplished, ordinary emotional fluctuations, and challenges to be mastered began to appear in the literature only in the past two decades (Bohannan, 1970; Froiland & Hozman, 1977; Kaslow, 1981b; 1983; Kessler, 1975). Nonetheless, when one is undertaking either divorce therapy or divorce mediation with a couple, it is vital to ascertain such life cycle factors as: 1) where each is in his or her individual life cycle development in terms of chronological age, emotional maturity, cognitive functioning, career status and aims, and child rearing; 2) how long the couple had been together, what are the personalities and ages of the children, the nature of the couple's prior relationship to each other, the extended family's response to the imminent divorce, the importance ascribed to independencelfreedom vs. sharing one's life and being concerned about a partner...
TL;DR: This case study report is the first to demonstrate the use of paradoxical interventions with pre-adolescent and adolescent children in a school setting, particularly suitable for oppositional students.
Abstract: Family therapists have used paradoxical methods of intervention in a variety of settings and with a variety of problems. This case study report is the first to demonstrate the use of paradoxical interventions with pre-adolescent and adolescent children in a school setting. These types of interventions could be of great value because they require limited verbal ability and insight on the part of the students, produce rapid results, and are particularly suitable for oppositional students.
TL;DR: Significant and sustained improvement in couples' ratings of personal and target problems occurred after therapy, and a small minority of couples failed to respond, or experienced negative effects, in relation to two types of marital interaction which inhibited shared problem solving.
Abstract: Twenty-eight married patients with severe, persisting psychiatric disorders were treated with a mean of 9.3 hours of spouse-aided therapy, an explicitly non-marital problem-solving couples therapy. Significant and sustained improvement in couples' ratings of personal and target problems occurred after therapy. A small minority of couples failed to respond, or experienced negative effects, in relation to two types of marital interaction which inhibited shared problem solving. In one, both partners were strongly extrapunitive and persistently blamed and mistrusted each other; in the other, couples attributed the patients' symptoms to a formal psychiatric illness, and therapy exposed the spouses' reliance on repression and denial as coping mechanisms.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors apply this idea to the situation of child abuse, where the characteristics of an abused child might be the result of a parent's abusive behavior or the cause of such behavior.
Abstract: Personality traits and behavioral attributes are formed within a dynamic process of exchange. Just as the child is influenced by the parents, he or she may also influence them and elicit new modes of behavior from them. This article applies this idea to the situation of child abuse. The characteristics of an abused child might be the result of a parent's abusive behavior or the cause of such behavior. Both participants—the parent and the child—bring their attributes to the situation, and both react and change as a result of the interaction. The nature of the particular encounter, the matching or nonmatching of needs, may turn the characteristics of the child or those of the parent into risk factors. The article includes a case presentation.
TL;DR: In this article, the notion of control is considered within the context of positive reframing, which may be the only “circular” procedure in the whole process of intervention.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to clarify any possible misinterpretation of paradoxical treatment by reducing it to two major sets of issues: issues of positive refram-ing, and issues of control. Since issues of circularity and positive reframing have been considered at length and in detail in other sources, issues of straight-forward control will be considered here in greater detail than in the past. The major characteristic of symptomatic behavior is its uncontrollability. After consideration of certain paradoxes about control, guidelines to achieve control are given. The goal is to obtain control and give it away to families. The notion of control is considered within the context of positive reframing, which may be the only “circular” procedure in the whole process of intervention.
TL;DR: A brief survey of the history and types of adoption serves as background for a study of the points at which adoption custody laws and family therapy interface as discussed by the authors, and a comparison of adoption custody and divorce custody issues.
Abstract: A brief survey of the history and types of adoption serves as background for a study of the points at which adoption custody laws and family therapy interface. Potential areas for stress and interaction occur primarily in cases involving questions of rights—those of the adoptee, of the biological parents, and of the adoptive parents. New issues of concern include pressures to open sealed adoption records, questions of grandparents' rights, and the innovative practice of surrogate motherhood. There is also a comparison of adoption custody and divorce custody issues.
TL;DR: Four interviews conducted with Dr. Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy in the Spring of 1980 ranged in content from Dr. Nagy's early training and influences to the theoretical and clinical foundations of contextual family therapy.
Abstract: This article is an edited version of four interviews conducted with Dr. Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy in the Spring of 1980. The interviews ranged in content from Dr. Nagy's early training and influences to the theoretical and clinical foundations of contextual family therapy. This article focuses on the major constructs of contextual family therapy. Since this approach is often viewed as highly theoretical and conceptual in nature, it may be helpful to the practitioner to see how Dr. Nagy uses these constructs in a clinical situation. As a practitioner, I have found his theory extremely useful in conceptualizing the family system, and also in developing a treatment strategy. Hopefully, the questions asked of Dr. Nagy in these interviews will be of interest to other family therapists who are concerned with the clinical aspects of family therapy theories.
TL;DR: In this article, the essential stipulations in laws relating to custody determination are summarized in Table form, including issues of joint or shared custody, the principle of the best interests of the child, Uniform Child Custody Act, and the acceptance of psychological investigations of the children and their families.
Abstract: The essential stipulations in laws relating to custody determination are summarized in Table form. Issues of joint or shared custody, the principle of the best interests of the child, Uniform Child Custody Act, and the acceptance of psychological investigations of the child and his or her family are discussed and summarized.
TL;DR: In this article, a male therapist may be inducted into the family system, given the role of father or husband for better or worse, in order to overcome the transference.
Abstract: Treatment of single-parent families by a male therapist may arouse transference problems. The male therapist may be inducted into the family system, given the role of father or husband for better or worse. Structural family therapy is suggested in order to overcome the transference. The aim is to restructure the single-parent family to enhance its ability to function independently without the need for an outside male authority figure. Working through the termination process is also devised as an important stage in the therapeutic process to cope with separation problems.
TL;DR: It behooves family therapists to think seriously about the effects their strategic prescriptions have on family members who are vulnerable because of their age, after the use of two treatment modalities in a case where the therapists saw the great distress their prescriptions inflicted on the child.
Abstract: Our concern with the split between psychiatry and family therapy has caused us to explore the kinds of cases where they could be used in concert. As a result of the experience in this case, we conclude that it behooves us, as family therapists concerned with the development of children, to think seriously about the effects our strategic prescriptions have on family members who are vulnerable because of their age. The use of two treatment modalities allowed the therapists to see the great distress their prescriptions inflicted on the child. This is not as easily observable when strategic family therapy is the only treatment.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the social resources accessed by parents regarding issues of custody and visitation, and found that parents' evaluation of and interest in participating in four types of custody-related interventions (workshops, mediation, professional evaluation, and arbitration) were also examined.
Abstract: The social support network of divorcing parents has been identified as an important factor in postdivorce adjustment. The present study examined the social resources accessed by parents regarding issues of custody and visitation. Parents' evaluation of and interest in participating in four types of custody-related interventions (workshops, mediation, professional evaluation, and arbitration) were also examined. The findings and their implications for clinical practice suggest some major shifts in the provision of services for divorcing families.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a consultation model which can serve to diminish what is so often the destructive impact of the adversarial process, and are designed to promote the best interests of the children.
Abstract: Once mediation or other means of self-determination have proven ineffective with a divorcing couple, historically, the adversarial legal system has been activated. This article is designed to present a consultation model which can serve to diminish what is so often the destructive impact of the adversarial process. The process and procedures described are consonant with what most state statutes suggest as criteria for consideration in custody decisions, and are certainly designed to promote the best interests of the children. A pervasive belief of the authors is that the best interests of the children can only be insured by assessing and considering the overall family operation, not just the individuals who constitute the family
TL;DR: The American Journal of Family Therapy (AJFT) as mentioned in this paper introduced a new section with the intent of being at the cutting edge of the interface of the interrelationship of family law and family therapy.
Abstract: The American Journal of Family Therapy is pleased to innaugurate this new section with the intent of being at the cutting edge of the interface of the interrelationship of family law and family therapy. We introduce this endeavor with several articles on child custody-an arena of crucial concern in both disciplines. One article is a summary of child custody laws extant throu hout the United States. to commend it psychologically and legally. The third item, in keeping with the theme, is a speculative fable about joint custody written by a matrimonial attorney who practices family mediation and who has training as a family therapist. It captures the tenor of the times. The second article discusses a model for child custody ev a f uations, which has much
TL;DR: Sluzki as discussed by the authors gives a broad view of that hazardous terrain, and with theoretical and clinical clarity shares the long experience of a noted theoretician and teacher with others who also travel on that therapeutic journey.
Abstract: Great attention has traditionally been paid to the problems of engagement in family therapy, and to initial moves by the therapist to establish a contract and clearly define the working relationship and goals. Additionally, the early tasks of assessing the areas of family difficulty and of grasping the family dynamics are usually given prominent attention. The course of therapy during that “middle phase” has too often been neglected; yet, it can be one of turbulence, of confusion, and of abrupt discontinuations, or circular redundancies. In the conference reported here, Dr. Carlos Sluzki gives a broad view of that hazardous terrain, and with theoretical and clinical clarity shares the long experience of a noted theoretician and teacher with others who also travel on that therapeutic journey. The conference chairpersons, George J. Meyer and Robert Scherb have also provided us with succinct and interesting summaries of the seven workshops which followed Dr. Sluzki's presentation.