Showing papers in "American Journal of Family Therapy in 1994"
TL;DR: The authors argued that helpers are often overly attentive to client deficits and pathology to the detriment of acknowledging family and other client strengths and resources brought into the therapeutic arena, which is to the disadvantage of both client and helper.
Abstract: As our clients often underestimate their own resources and potential, do helpers fall victim to the same phenomena? This article contends that helpers are often overly attentive to client deficits and pathology to the detriment of acknowledging family and other client strengths and resources brought into the therapeutic arena. Much of our professional training results in an overreliance upon pathological lenses which is to the disadvantage of both client and helper. Family therapists must remain vigilant to not becoming seduced into the attractive web of “pathologizing.” Experiences that heightened this awareness for the author are described, followed by illustration of the importance and benefit of therapists becoming more sensitive to the study of human resiliency.
127 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the overlap of the therapeutic and religious worlds and outline several ways religious issues can be integrated into family therapy training programs within the larger existing framework of training in cultural and ethical sensitivity.
Abstract: Spirituality and religion are often related to issues clients raise in therapy. Therapists' religious backgrounds affect the way they view and deal with these issues, and indeed whether they see them at all. In this paper, we discuss the overlap of the therapeutic and religious worlds. We also discuss how some therapists are dealing with this interface. Finally, we outline several ways religious issues can be integrated into family therapy training programs within the larger existing framework of training in cultural and ethical sensitivity.
118 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects that a diagnosis of autism may bring to the family and some of the potential family stressors that the presence of such a youngster may present are discussed.
Abstract: The diagnosis of a serious disability brings many changes to the family of the newly diagnosed member. Each family copes in their own way to these many changes. This paper examines some of the effects that a diagnosis of autism may bring to the family and some of the potential family stressors that the presence of such a youngster may present. Problem areas discussed include communication, bonding, early sleep patterns, unpredictable behavior, difficulties created by changes in routine, splinter effects, respite, and financial matters. Each of these represent topics that are extremely important for professional awareness when working with families who have a young child with autism.
100 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between husbands' violence and desired and perceived control and found a significant three-way interaction among desirability of control, perceived personal control, and self-esteem.
Abstract: The present study was designed to examine the relationship between husbands' violence and desired and perceived control. Seventy-two married men completed questionnaires assessing self-esteem, desirability of control, and perceived personal and interpersonal control. Logistic regression analyses revealed a significant three-way interaction among desirability of control, perceived personal control, and self-esteem. Further examination indicated two subgroups of men at high risk for engaging in domestic violence: 1) men low on self-esteem, low on desirability of control, and low on perceived personal control; and 2) men high on self-esteem, high on desirability of control, but low on perceived personal control. Treatment implications of the type of abusers are discussed.
68 citations
TL;DR: The Quality of Student Life Questionnaire (QSLQ) as mentioned in this paper is composed of four factors: Satisfaction, Well-Being, Social Belonging, and Empowerment/Control.
Abstract: The Quality of Student Life Questionnaire (QSLQ) may be of particular use to family therapists attempting to understand the perceptions of adolescents within family constellations. The QSLQ is comprised of four factors: Satisfaction, Well-Being, Social Belonging, and Empowerment/Control. The Questionnaire is reliable, unobtrusive, and non-clinical–making it appropriate for use with normal adolescents. The QSLQ is described and preliminary data on its psychometric characteristics are presented.
65 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined both positive and negative impact of caregiving in a sample of 110 caregivers to an aging family member suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and found that caregivers' appraisals along dimensions of subjective burden, negative impact, caregiving satisfaction, and caregiver mastery were correlated with the extent of memory and behavior problems of the patient and caregivers' coping style, locus of control, self-esteem, ego strength, level of depression, and perceived environmental support.
Abstract: This study examined both positive and negative impact of caregiving in a sample of 110 caregivers to an aging family member suffering from Alzheimer's disease Family caregivers' appraisals along dimensions of subjective burden, negative impact, caregiving satisfaction, and caregiver mastery were correlated with the extent of memory and behavior problems of the patient and caregivers' coping style, locus of control, self-esteem, ego strength, level of depression, and perceived environmental support Results provide additional evidence for the multidimensional structure of caregivers' subjective appraisals Correlational findings suggest the potential treatment utility of multicomponent intervention programs addressing both positive and negative dimensions of family caregivers' experience
50 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined relationship dynamics of couples in which the man has been violent toward the woman and the link between lack of individuation and relationship violence was explored using the work of other scholars to support their thesis.
Abstract: This paper examines relationship dynamics of couples in which the man has been violent toward the woman. The thesis offered here, from a systemic perspective, is that violence in intimate couple relationships is, in part, a distance-regulating mechanism that maintains a balance between separateness and connectedness in the relationship. The individual developmental process that allows a balance to be maintained without violence or other “distance regulators” is individuation. Some of the theoretical positions taken by previous authors that clarify the connection between individuation and relationship dynamics are presented. Next, the link between lack of individuation and relationship violence is explored using the work of other scholars to support our thesis and the “voices” of women who have experienced date violence. The “voices” come from a multiple case study using qualitative methods and analyses conducted by the second author. Finally, therapeutic intervention when relationship violence is...
44 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate whether there is a difference in treatment effects in single session process between two brief family therapy approaches: (a) the problem focused approach, and (b) the solution-focused approach.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there is a difference in treatment effects in single session process between two brief family therapy approaches: (a) the problem-focused approach, and (b) the solution-focused approach. The process of problem identification (starting with the Formula First Session Task) through the process of goal specification is evaluated using three self-report measures and one observational measure. A multivariate analysis of variance was the choice of data analysis. Findings indicate a significant difference between the two approaches when dealing with client's perceived problem improvement, outcome expectancy, session depth, session smoothness, and session positivity. Additional findings indicate no significant differences between the two approaches when dealing with personal attachment, goal identification, problem improvement optimism, client's ability to improve, and session arousal.
30 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that spouse health is more important than sex of caretaker in married pairs with chronic physical illness.
Abstract: This study explored marital adjustment and the effects of illness in a sample of 46 married pairs with chronic physical illness. Approximately half of the sample consisted of pairs in which both spouses were ill, while one-half was made up of pairs with only one spouse ill. Regardless of spouse health, marital adjustment scores for levels of cohesion were significantly higher than reported norms, while levels of consensus were significantly lower. The inverse relation of cohesion and consensus is interpreted as indicating conflict-regulated oscillation and as describing a configuration of interaction which may be specific to married pairs with physical illness. In contrast, spouse health was found to significantly affect how illness was perceived, responses to illness, relations with physicians, and content of communication between spouses. Greater imbalance and potential stress occurred in marriages with only one spouse ill. It is concluded that spouse health is more important than sex of careta...
30 citations
TL;DR: The authors found that severity of the sexual abuse experience was positively correlated with acute and chronic dissociation and somatized anxiety, and survivor symptomatology of acute dissociation, chronic dissociative, and SAD.
Abstract: Minimal research has been done to determine if a relationship exists between dissociative patterns and somatized anxiety found in psychological disorders and various childhood sexual abuse variables. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if there was any relationship between the effects of any one of four variables–1) identity of perpetrator, 2) frequency and 3) duration of abuse experiences, and 4) severity of sexual abuse–and survivor symptomatology of acute dissociation, chronic dissociation, and somatized anxiety. Data from a sample of 226 respondents showed that severity of the sexual abuse experience was positively correlated with acute and chronic dissociation and somatized anxiety. Implications of these findings are explored, including clinical issues and recommendations for future research.
27 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that the multicultural family therapist (MCFT) needs to be more aware of cultural diversity, more sensitive to differences in cultural nuances by avoiding stereotyping, and more flexible than in dealing with mainstream families.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to begin differentiating skills needed for work with multicultural families from skills needed for mainstream Anglo-American families. In addition to the latter, the multicultural family therapist (MCFT) needs to be more aware of cultural diversity, more sensitive to differences in cultural nuances by avoiding stereotyping, and more flexible than in dealing with mainstream families. In addition, relationship skills need to be focused in ways that may be contrary to traditional practices, while structuring skills may need to be tailored to the specific needs of multicultural families.
TL;DR: This article found that wives in distressed marriages would make more negative ratings about the intents and impacts of communication than husbands in distressed marriage or husbands and wives in nondistressed marriages, while non-distressed wives predicted more negative intentions than their husbands.
Abstract: Most research and training efforts concerned with marital communication have focused on the communication skills of spouses. Much less research has examined the communicative intentions of spouses. Some research suggests that wives may be “barometers” of the marital state, and in distressed marriages may have more negative intentions than their husbands. Thus, the current study hypothesized that wives in distressed marriages would make more negative ratings about the intents and impacts of communication than husbands in distressed marriages or husbands and wives in nondistressed marriages. Sixty marital dyads completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale and participated in problem discussions while using the communication box. Ratings were made of message intent, predicted message impact, actual message impact, and perceived message intent. Intent ratings of distressed wives were significantly more negative than those provided by distressed husbands or by nondistressed wives. Distressed wives predicted ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the importance of understanding stepfamilies in terms of basic human needs and the benefits of such an approach is discussed, illustrated with case examples and useful therapeutic guidelines and suggestions are mentioned.
Abstract: The topic is introduced with some personal references; then negative societal attitudes toward diverse family types, particularly stepfamilies, are discussed. The paper outlines and discusses the importance of understanding stepfamilies in terms of basic human needs and indicates the benefits of such an approach. This is illustrated with case examples. Some useful therapeutic guidelines and suggestions are mentioned.
TL;DR: In this article, the Bern Sex-Role Inventory was used to classify married couples as androgynous, gender role congruent, gender roles incongruent, or undifferentiated.
Abstract: Forty-eight married couples completed Snyder's Marital Satisfaction Inventory and were also categorized with the Bern Sex-role Inventory as androgynous, gender role congruent, gender role incongruent, or undifferentiated. Analyses of variance showed that androgynous couples featured more wives who were dissatisfied regarding child issues. Data are also presented for differential patterns for the individual marital satisfaction indices. Results are compared to data on individual gender-role determinants and are conceptualized in terms of gender-role and communication theory.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between therapist verbal behavior and family cooperation and resistance during the second session of family therapy with juvenile delinquents and found that therapist "support" and "teach" behaviors were associated with significant increases in the likelihood of family cooperation.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between therapist verbal behavior and family cooperation and resistance during the second session of family therapy with juvenile delinquents. Sequential analysis was used to investigate the impact of one therapist's behavior on family resistance and cooperation in a sample of 12 families. The results of the sequential analysis revealed that therapist “support” and “teach” behaviors were associated with significant increases in the likelihood of family cooperation. The study provides an example of how sequential analysis can be used to inform family therapists about the impact of their behavior on families.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the challenges, risks, and directions with which three groups of voluntary parents must come to terms: grandparents raising grandchildren, adoptive parents, and foster parents.
Abstract: Childrearing is a challenge as well as a joy, whether the children are born to the parents or not. In the latter case, parenting is a matter of choice, sometimes influenced by necessity. In parenting of one's nonbiological children, there may be additional elements in the situation that affect all of the parties: previous experiences of the children, relationships with extended family members, and supervision by social welfare agencies or courts. The focus here is on the challenges, risks, and directions with which three groups of voluntary parents must come to terms: grandparents raising grandchildren, adoptive parents, and foster parents.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The impact of a work injury on a family as it affects family structure is reviewed and recommendations for treatment interventions are suggested.
Abstract: Traditionally, rehabilitation programs for injured workers have focused on physical reconditioning and individual counseling. This paper reviews the impact of a work injury on a family as it affects family structure. Recommendations for treatment interventions are suggested. The importance of modifying work injury rehabilitation programs to incorporate the family is stressed.
TL;DR: In this article, a structural couple therapy approach to the treatment of inhibited sexual desire (ISD) is presented, which is first conceptualized as a relational phenomenon that may be most effectively treated in a couple context.
Abstract: This paper presents a study of a structural couple therapy approach to the treatment of inhibited sexual desire (ISD) ISD is first conceptualized as a relational phenomenon that may be most effectively treated in a couple context Structural couple therapy is advanced and applied to the treatment of a clinical sample of couples presenting with ISD Results of the study suggest that a structural couple therapy approach to ISD is effective in reducing symptoms of the sexual disorder and in increasing couple satisfaction
TL;DR: In this article, the authors outline what stepfamilies need from therapy and describe three important lessons other types of families can learn from remarriage families: dealing productively with losses and changes; accepting and appreciating differences; and enhancing relationships by increasing dyadic interactions.
Abstract: This paper outlines what stepfamilies need from therapy and describes three important lessons other types of families can learn from remarriage families. These lessons are: 1) dealing productively with losses and changes; 2) accepting and appreciating differences; and 3) enhancing relationships by increasing dyadic interactions.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between marital discord and adjustment difficulties in intact families and found that adjustment difficulties are stronger in boys than in girls when family members are the only informants, and when interparental aggression is incorporated in the definition of marital discord.
Abstract: Sex differences in child adjustment in response to marital discord in intact families are reviewed. The global hypothesis that boys are more adversely affected than are girls is examined. Contrary to this hypothesis, the review reveals that in intact families maladjustment in boys is not always related to concurrent marital discord more than is malad-justment in girls. However, the association between marital discord and adjustment difficulties is stronger in boys than in girls when clinic samples are used, when family members are the only informants, and when interparental aggression is incorporated in the definition of marital discord. Findings must be interpreted cautiously given the conceptual and methodological flaws of the research.
TL;DR: The literature regarding indications and implications for providing individual child therapy and family therapy combined, either sequentially or concurrently, is reviewed.
Abstract: The literature regarding indications and implications for providing individual child therapy and family therapy combined, either sequentially or concurrently, is reviewed. Recommendations for modality selection and integration are offered.
TL;DR: The Case Review Form, a standardized form for documenting supervision, is presented and examples of its usage are provided so that documentation of supervision may be done quickly and routinely in order to provide necessary protection to clients, therapists, supervisors, and the various institutions that provide marriage and family therapy.
Abstract: Supervisors have legal liability for the therapists' handling of cases under their supervision, responsibility for evaluation and encouragement of supervisees' therapeutic work and progress, and responsibility for the provision of quality therapy. Documentation is the only way to demonstrate appropriate supervisory behavior. The Case Review Form, a standardized form for documenting supervision, is presented. Examples of its usage are provided so that documentation of supervision may be done quickly and routinely in order to provide necessary protection to clients, therapists, supervisors, and the various institutions that provide marriage and family therapy.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined whether a new instrument for measuring couple sexual functioning, the Sexual Interaction System Scale (SISS), would differentiate couples in therapy for sex dysfunction from couples in treatment for other problems and explored the relationship of sexual interaction, sexual satisfaction, and marital adjustment.
Abstract: This study examined whether a new instrument for measuring couple sexual functioning, the Sexual Interaction System Scale (SISS), would differentiate couples in therapy for sex dysfunction from couples in therapy for other problems. It also explored the relationship of sexual interaction, sexual satisfaction, and marital adjustment. As predicted, the other problems group achieved better scores on all couple and female factors and on all male factors except two. Discriminant analysis of the SISS factors for the two groups further supported the discriminative capacity of the instrument. Correlational analyses suggested a strong relationship between the SISS, sexual satisfaction, and marital adjustment. While the other problems group had greater sexual satisfaction than the sex dysfunction group, the groups were similar in experiencing moderate marital distress. The results support the further use of the SISS in research and clinical practice.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors outline key factors doctoral students need to consider when selecting an internship site, and present a survey of internships for MFT students in the United States and Canada.
Abstract: Although internships are now required for MFT doctoral students, little has been written about internships. This article outlines key factors doctoral students need to consider when selecting an internship site.
TL;DR: The theoretical foundation of family and couples therapy has been general systems theory, most notably that of Bertalanffy as discussed by the authors, but there is a serious flaw between how theorists have been explaining what therapists have been seeing.
Abstract: The theoretical foundation of family and couples therapy has been general systems theory, most notably that of Bertalanffy. However, there is a serious flaw between how theorists have been explaining what therapists have been seeing. This is primarily due to the use of the closed system concepts of cybernetics to explain open systems. This article briefly presents Bertalanffy's distinction between open and closed systems, reviews how closed system concepts came to be applied to families and couples, discusses the dilemmas this has created, and argues that the dialectical metatheory of Weeks and of Bopp and Weeks allows a more uniform approach to therapy.
TL;DR: A historical overview of child abuse briefly traces the changes in societal definitions of child maltreatment, the evolution of our current child protection movement, and the complex relationship between policy formation and empirical research as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Developmentalists–clinicians and researchers–have identified numerous problems that could be remedied by social policies that consider the best interests of the child. Policymakers at all levels of government can play an important role in devising legislation affecting the welfare of children. Child maltreatment and its relation to social policy issues cannot be fully understood without considering the attitudes, values, and philosophies that are prevalent in the society in which it occurs. The following historical overview of child abuse briefly traces the changes in societal definitions of child maltreatment, the evolution of our current child protection movement, and the complex relationship between policy formation and empirical research. Given the astronomical economic and human costs associated with the problem, there is an urgent need to compile a database that can guide effective social policy, prevention, and treatment interventions.
TL;DR: In this paper, an early life caregiver-infant interaction is used to encourage the adolescent to represent and predict the interpersonal outcomes of her behaviors, and the application of previewing to a case involving a teenager with a recalcitrant pregnancy wish is discussed.
Abstract: Adolescent pregnancy remains a problem of epidemic proportions with no signs of abatement. Three developmental factors increase the risk of an adolescent's pregnancy: 1) psychosocial factors promote a need to assert independence from parents; 2) the teenager's cognitive orientation interferes with her ability to predict long-term outcomes; and 3) the psychological effects of family discord may be enacted through teenage pregnancy. Previewing, an innovative strategy, may be applied to help the adolescent adjust to developmental vicissitudes. Derived from early life caregiver-infant interaction, previewing encourages the adolescent to represent and predict the interpersonal outcomes of her behaviors. The application of previewing to a case involving a teenager with a recalcitrant pregnancy wish is discussed. Specific guidelines for applying this intervention within the family context are provided.
TL;DR: This article analyzes Public Law 101-476, the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1990, and sets forth postulates for the involvement of the family therapist in the education of children with disabilities.
Abstract: Earlier legislation mandated an appropriate education for all handicapped children and prescribed both an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). While these legislative acts seemed to indicate the need for family therapy principles, the most recent legislation gives further emphasis to family and community services. This article analyzes Public Law 101-476, the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1990, and sets forth postulates for the involvement of the family therapist in the education of children with disabilities.