Showing papers in "American Journal of Family Therapy in 2005"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors extended the line of thinking of previous research by taking a longitudinal look at predictors of marital satisfaction and marital conflict in stable marriages and found that there is some support for gender-based influences on husbands' and wives' marital satisfaction.
Abstract: Longitudinal secondary dyadic data from first time marriages were analyzed from the National Survey of Families and Households (Sweet, Bumpass, & Call, 1988), for the purpose of examining gender-related predictors of husbands' and wives' marital satisfaction and marital conflict over time. This study extended the line of thinking of previous research by taking a longitudinal look at predictors of marital satisfaction and marital conflict in stable marriages. Results indicate that there is some support for gender-based influences on husbands' and wives' marital satisfaction and conflict over time. Additionally, the findings from this study suggest that wives' marital and interpersonal functioning may be a greater predictor for husbands' marital satisfaction and marital conflict. Recommendations for clinicians working with couples are also presented.
141 citations
TL;DR: These seven themes provide the first glimpse into the lives of adult children of parental alienation, including low self-esteem, depression, drug/alcohol abuse, lack of trust, alienation from own children, divorce, and other.
Abstract: A qualitative retrospective study was conducted on 38 adults who experienced parental alienation as a child. Individuals participated in one-hour semi-structured interviews. Audiotapes were transcribed verbatim, and submitted to a content analysis for primary themes and patterns. Findings pertaining to the long-term effects of parental alienation were analyzed for this article. Results revealed seven major areas of impact: (1) low self-esteem, (2) depression, (3) drug/alcohol abuse, (4) lack of trust, (5) alienation from own children, (6) divorce, and (7) other. These seven themes are discussed at length to provide the first glimpse into the lives of adult children of parental alienation.
134 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the common changes experienced by new parents is presented, focusing on the parents' family-of-origin influences and individual personality characteristics, changes experienced in the couple relationship, and important contextual issues.
Abstract: The transition to parenthood is a near universal experience for individuals and families, yet there is a severe lack of applied research and clinical treatment guidelines. Justification for a greater clinical emphasis on this transition is made through a review of the common changes experienced by new parents. Intervention guidelines are offered in the areas of client/participant recruitment, assessment, and clinical areas of focus. Specific topics that should be addressed in treatment include the parents' family-of-origin influences and individual personality characteristics, changes experienced in the couple relationship, and important contextual issues.
105 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that emotionally focused therapy is significantly more effective than isolated Behavioral Marital Therapy interventions for the treatment of moderate and severe levels of marital distress, and future directions of outcome research are also discussed.
Abstract: Due to methodological limitations, past meta-analytic research was not able to identify which treatment was most effective for specific marital distress levels. By converting pre-and post-test scores from marital research into equivalent Dyadic Adjustment Scale scores, it was possible to isolate mild, moderate, and severe levels of marital distress. Results show that Emotionally Focused Therapy is significantly more effective than isolated Behavioral Marital Therapy interventions for the treatment of moderate marital distress. Future directions of outcome research are also discussed.
89 citations
TL;DR: The authors found that parents' levels of differentiation (differentiation of self and family differentiation) and social anxiety were positively related to those of their offspring, which lends support to Bowen's contention of transmission of the family emotional process across generations.
Abstract: The study tested the relation between parents' differentiation and offspring's social anxiety, using a sample of university students and their parents to reflect family patterns across three generations. The main finding confirmed that parents' levels of differentiation (differentiation of self and family differentiation) and social anxiety were positively related to those of their offspring. This lends support to Bowen's (1978; Kerr & Bowen, 1988) contention of transmission of the family emotional process across generations. Moreover, students' social anxiety was found to be inversely related to their parents' levels of differentiation. The importance of addressing family issues in the treatment of individuals with problems related to social anxiety is indicated.
63 citations
TL;DR: A statistically significant relationship was found between treatment outcome and treatment length, number of presenting problems, and attrition category, and an underutilized, yet excellent resource for collecting effectiveness research data.
Abstract: While a significant amount of attention has been paid to the efficacy of marriage and family therapy (MFT), research on the effectiveness of MFT is lacking. Furthermore, university training clinics are an underutilized, yet excellent resource for collecting effectiveness research data. This study examined the effectiveness of therapy provided at an MFT university training clinic, by examining therapists' ratings of therapy effectiveness for clients seen for more than one session over the past five years (N = 558). Data on therapy modality, treatment length, fee for services, and attrition category (completed or dropout) were also examined. A statistically significant relationship was found between treatment outcome and treatment length, number of presenting problems, and attrition category.
35 citations
TL;DR: Those who received in-home family therapy were least expensive of all, averaging at least 85% less than any form of in-office therapy, when family therapy is included in treatment.
Abstract: This longitudinal, retrospective study investigated the healthcare costs of youth treated for conduct disorder in the Kansas Medicaid system. Along with a comprehensive range of services, youth received in-office individual therapy, in-office family therapy, or in-home family therapy. Data was available for 3753 youth. Overall, 3086 youth received care that included individual therapy (and no family therapy), 503 received in-home family therapy and 164 others received in-office family therapy. Healthcare costs for a period of two and one half years after therapy were available for analysis. The average cost of healthcare for youth receiving no family therapy was $16, 260. For those receiving in-office family therapy, the average cost was $11,116. Youth who received in-office family therapy received $5,144 (32%) less care on average than those receiving only individual therapy. Those who received in-home family therapy averaged $1,622 over the follow-up the period. Those who received in-home family therapy...
33 citations
TL;DR: The authors investigated whether the three largest ethnic/cultural populations in the United States, white Americans, African Americans and Hispanic Americans,entertain different notions of what constitutes Child Sexual Abuse (CSA), and investigated the circumstances under which individuals of these cultures deem an offense sufficiently severe to warrant reporting it to law enforcement agencies.
Abstract: This study investigated whether the three largest ethnic/cultural populations in the United States—white Americans, African Americans and Hispanic Americans—entertain different notions of what constitutes Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). The study also investigated the circumstances under which individuals of these cultures deem an offense sufficiently severe to warrant reporting it to law enforcement agencies. Findings are that there are no significant differences between the ethnic groups' recognition of, or willingness to report, CSA except at the lowest levels of severity, where the two ethnic American minorities are somewhat more likely to recognize or report CSA than are white Americans.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined perceived change in communication and closeness between adolescents and parents after four weeks in adolescent residential chemical dependency treatment and found positive change in parent involvement in adolescent treatment, especially when parents attended multi-family therapy groups (MFTG).
Abstract: This article examines perceived change in communication and closeness between adolescents and parents after four weeks in adolescent residential chemical dependency treatment. Adolescents completed perception of parent-adolescent communication, closeness, and open-ended questionnaires before (n = 18) and after (n = 10) treatment and perceived changes in relationships after treatment. T-tests compared (a) those completing the post-test with those not, (b) pre- and post-test responses, and (c) pre- and post-test responses based on parents' attendance at multi-family therapy groups (MFTG). Positive change occurred after four weeks, especially when parents attended MFTG. The critical role of parent involvement in adolescent treatment needs recognition by funding and referral sources.
28 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors determine the relationship between students' family sense of coherence, their personal sense of cohesion, and the extent to which students use potential sources of support.
Abstract: The primary aim of this article is to determine the relationship between students' family sense of coherence, their personal sense of coherence, and the extent to which students use potential sources of support. A biographical questionnaire, a use of resources questionnaire, the Orientation to Life Questionnaire, the Family Sense of Coherence Scale and the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scale were completed by 145 first-year students. Only the Family Sense of Coherence and the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scale were completed by their parents. The results show a significant positive relationship between the way students experience family and personal sense of coherence and the importance of using sources of support. With regard to family coping strategies, significant differences were found between the way students and their parents experience obtaining social support, mobilizing the family to get and accept help, and the passive appraisal of a problem.
25 citations
TL;DR: It is considered that compulsory mediation and better communication during divorce would prevent many cases of PAS, since it seemed that parental alienation syndrome (PAS) occurred significantly more often when decisions with relation to the children were not taken together by the parents but were determined in court.
Abstract: In the Netherlands, about 20% of children do not have any contact with their non-resident parent after parental divorce. There are often many reasons underlying the broken contact, but one might well be the process of parental alienation, when the child denigrates and excludes the non-resident parent. This article presents the results of two studies conducted among divorce experts and divorced, non-resident parents. A total of 138 respondents co-operated in our studies. Of the respondents, 58% thought PAS either does not, or rarely occurs in the Netherlands, and 42% thought it does occur. The extent of parental alienation was classified as mild (33%) or moderate (9%). From our factor analysis, it became clear that Gardner's classification of eight separate symptoms of parental alienation was not evident in our research data. We were able to distinguish four separate aspects: two of them concerning alienation due to the resident parent and two concerning alienation due to the child. Our results underpin th...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a guide for clinicians in offering some strategies for the alienated parent, including eroding the negative image by providing incongruent information, refrain from actions that put the child in the middle of the conflict, consider ways to mollify the hurt and anguish of the alienating parent, and look for ways to dismantle the coalition and convert enemies to allies.
Abstract: Parental alienation cases present significant challenges for the family courts and clinicians alike. At times, traditional counseling fails, judicial intervention may not be feasible, and a parent is alienated from a child or children with little to no ongoing contact for the foreseeable future. This article is organized as a guide for the clinician in offering some strategies for the alienated parent. These are organized under five headings: (1) erode the negative image by providing incongruent information; (2) refrain from actions that put the child in the middle of the conflict, (3) consider ways to mollify the hurt and anguish of the alienating parent, (4) look for ways to dismantle the coalition and convert enemies to allies, (5) never give up contact but “stand in the door and hold a cookie.”
TL;DR: The article recommends that the terms “dual” and “multiple” relationships should be abandoned and the debate on the topic of detrimental therapist-client interactions in marriage and family therapy needs to be revisited, especially in light of a “positive ethics.”
Abstract: This article presents reflections on and a critique of the recent revision of the AAMFT Code of Ethics on the multiple relationship ethical standard. A brief historical overview of terminology and the debate surrounding "dual" and "multiple" relationship ethical rules in marriage and family therapy is provided. The term "exploitation" is also delimited. Ethical principles and a set of standards addressing "detrimental" versus "potentially beneficial" interactions are introduced, deriving from works in other mental health professions. The article recommends: (a) the terms "dual" and "multiple" relationships should be abandoned; (b) the ethical principles underlying the AAMFT Code of Ethics need to be examined; and (c) the debate on the topic of detrimental therapist-client interactions in marriage and family therapy needs to be revisited, especially in light of a "positive ethics."
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify indications for couple therapy or individual therapy for depression by examining the published randomized clinical trials comparing couple therapy and individual therapy, and suggest suggestions for future research are provided.
Abstract: Not only has couple therapy been found an effective treatment for depression, it may also have the advantage of improving marital functioning in addition to depressive symptoms, while individual therapy typically does not (Beach & O'Leary, 1992; Emnuels-Zuurveen & Emmelkamp, 1996; Jacobson et al., 1991; O'Leary & Beach, 1990; Teichman, Bar-El, Shor, & Elizur, 1998). This article attempts to identify indications for couple therapy or individual therapy for depression by examining the published randomized clinical trials comparing couple therapy and individual therapy for depression. Based on a review of the current research literature, suggestions for future research are provided.
TL;DR: In this article, a longitudinal study was conducted with 49 newly developing nuclear families and their multigenerational families and the results supported the hypothesis that a nuclear family's level of functioning is influenced by the stability or functioning of previous generations.
Abstract: Bowen theory hypothesizes that a nuclear family's level of functioning is influenced by the stability or functioning of previous generations. This longitudinal study tested this hypothesis with 49 newly developing nuclear families and their multigenerational families. Family functioning was measured using a composite of physical, emotional, social, and marital symptoms of the family members of the current and previous generations. The quantitative analysis supported the hypothesis. In a correlation analysis of the first five years of this twenty-year study, multigenerational functioning, especially nuclear family of origin functioning, was associated with nuclear family functioning.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe and critically analyze three main types of case conceptualization and argue that the client-focused type is the most appropriate in addressing theoretical and clinical considerations.
Abstract: While market and regulatory forces have made case conceptualizations essential in individual, couple and family therapy, therapists, trainees, and supervisors are increasingly recognizing the clinical value and utility of case conceptualizations in everyday practice. This article describes and critically analyzes three main types of case conceptualization and argues that the client-focused type is the most appropriate in addressing theoretical and clinical considerations. A client-focused type with a phenomenological and systematic emphasis, called pattern analysis, is described. A detailed case study illustrates pattern analysis.
TL;DR: In this paper, an exploratory review of 25 years of part-time professional practice with individuals, couples, and families, evaluated the number of face-to-face psychotherapy sessions with and without written homework assignments.
Abstract: This exploratory review of 25 years of part-time professional practice with individuals, couples, and families, evaluated the number of face-to-face psychotherapy sessions with and without written homework assignments. Contrary to predictions from the literature, administration of a workbook lengthened significantly the number of face-to-face psychotherapy sessions for all groups. The exploratory nature of this review and its inability to deal with a host of uncontrolled variables made it impossible to deal with the issue of effectiveness. These results, nonetheless, raise questions about the claimed cost-effectiveness of written homework assignments. Future research will need to concentrate on variables that could not be controlled in this review.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined whether a two-dimensional indicator of marital quality advances empirical understanding of the association between marital quality and physiological arousal, and found that it does not.
Abstract: The current study examines whether a two-dimensional indicator of marital quality advances empirical understanding of the association between marital quality and physiological arousal. Thirty-two m...
TL;DR: Seven internship experiences that emphasize training in medical family therapy and are available for doctoral-level marriage and family therapy students are described.
Abstract: Medical family therapy refers to the systemic, biopsychosocial treatment of individuals and families who are experiencing medical problems. Because marriage and family therapists are trained to conceptualize and treat problems from a systemic perspective, marriage and family therapists are well-suited to become medical family therapists. The purpose of this article is to describe seven internship experiences that emphasize training in medical family therapy and are available for doctoral-level marriage and family therapy students. Authors provide a description of the medical settings, interactions with other health professionals, supervision experiences, and educational opportunities. Recommended resources also are provided
TL;DR: In this paper, the attachment styles are connected to attraction to death among eating disorder (ED) patients, and the results suggest a model that may explain the diversities of attachment styles and the relationship with death among ED patients.
Abstract: The current research was aimed at examining how attachment styles are connected to attraction to death among eating disorder (ED) patients. A sample of 34 anorexic and 34 bulimic patients was matched by age, sex, and socioeconomic status to 37 normal controls. They were administered the Adult Attachment Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Multi-Attitude Suicidal Tendency Scale. Results show that ED patients scored significantly higher on the insecure attachment scale and were less attracted to and more repulsed by life than controls. No significant differences were found on death variables. A significant difference between the three attachment styles was found beyond depression. The results suggest a model that may explain the diversities of attachment styles and the relationship with death among ED patients. Insecure attachment style may explain the repulsion by life, while the illness itself may serve as a false “secure base” and may protect from the fear of death. Clinicians may thus attempt ...
TL;DR: In this article, a Selfhood model-derived visual-verbal Dyadic Relationships Test (DRT) is presented, and results from studies covering its reliability and verification of its psychometric properties are presented.
Abstract: In Part I of this article, background and rationale for the construction of a Selfhood model-derived visual-verbal Dyadic Relationships Test (DRT) is presented. Results from studies covering its reliability and verification of its psychometric properties are presented. Construct validity was evaluated through research with competing theoretical models. In Part II, results from studies are reported through discriminant and concurrent validity analyses in adoptive and traditional couples. A revision evaluated its construct validity with measures of negotiation, intimacy, and communication, and through relational and emotional life at different stages of the life cycle, including empty nest and retirement. Results from these studies tend to support the psychometric properties of this instrument and, indirectly, the validity of the Selfhood model underlying its construction.
TL;DR: The second part of this article adds evidence to support the psychometric properties of the Dyadic Relationships Test (DRT), designed to evaluate dyadic relationships from a theoretical Selfhood model as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The second part of this article adds evidence to support the psychometric properties of the Dyadic Relationships Test (DRT), designed to evaluate dyadic relationships from a theoretical Selfhood model. This model was presented in an early publication (Cusinato & L'Abate, 2003) and in the first part of this article.
TL;DR: In this paper, a two-dimensional model of parental estrangement-alienation addressing variations in anxiety and stereotyping is proposed, and interventions for reducing the effects of estrangements and alienation are also discussed.
Abstract: Approximately two thirds of divorced families develop co-parenting relationships that are more or less effective. Of the approximately one third of divorces that do not evolve into effective co-parenting, a subset deteriorates into parental alienation. Classical Balance theory predicts parental alienation as a normative outcome in divorcing and divorced families. Discriminating between their roles as spouses and parents allows separated and divorced couples to avoid alienation outcomes. Elevated anxiety, however, may interfere with these discriminative responses, and lead parents into stereotyping each other. This article proposes a two-dimensional model of parental estrangement-alienation addressing variations in anxiety and stereotyping. Interventions for reducing the effects of estrangement and alienation are also identifed and discussed.
TL;DR: Differing demands related to BSE and mammography, and their relationship to different distress variables are discussed.
Abstract: Cancer-related posttraumatic stress (PTS) in women with breast cancer, perceived risk of cancer in these women's daughters, and daughters' PTS related to their mothers' breast cancer were tested for relationships to daughters' breast self-examination (BSE) and mammography activity. Daughters' mammography frequency was related to her own PTS, but not to her perceived risk or her mothers' PTS. In contrast, daughters who overperformed BSE had mothers reporting significantly greater PTS than those performing BSE at recommended rates or underperforming BSE. Daughters' BSE and mammography frequency were not correlated. Differing demands related to BSE and mammography, and their relationship to different distress variables are discussed.
TL;DR: The present investigation attempted to determine the relative weighting of nine variables utilized by committees in making admissions decisions and found significant variability on even the most highly weighted variables.
Abstract: Graduate admission committees utilize multiple criteria in determining which applicant's to accept into their training programs. The present investigation attempted to determine the relative weighting of nine variables utilized by committees in making admissions decisions. The Directors of Admission Committees in Marriage and Family Therapy Master's programs identified interview performance, grade point average above 3.2, and the personal statement as the most important criteria with research experience and courses taken receiving the lowest weightings. However, within these programs there was significant variability on even the most highly weighted variables. Implications of these findings for applicants to these programs and future research on what constitutes positive interview behavior are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe themes that emerge among women who attend a group for being violent in an intimate relationship, and offer therapeutic considerations that include understanding the broad social as well as the intimate context in which their behavior is displayed.
Abstract: Scant literature is available that helps identify issues to consider when working with domestically violent women. This article describes themes that emerge among women who attend a group for being violent in an intimate relationship. Conducted at the House of Ruth Maryland, the authors report that these women have experienced a history of trauma, display maladaptive survival skills, lack support systems, lack internal resources to examine their own behavior, and struggle with substance abuse–related issues. In the group, they appear initially resistant, vie for control of the group, and consider their children a reason for personal pride and change. Therapeutic considerations are offered that include understanding the broad social as well as the intimate context in which their behavior is displayed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the responses of patients to therapeutic interventions utilizing differentiation/integration work to draw the distinction between Illness and Non-Illness in the psychotherapeutic themes and attitudes of the physically ill and/or disabled.
Abstract: The model is based on four theoretical concepts: Duality, Contradiction, Complementarity, and Unity. This article presents the responses of patients to therapeutic interventions utilizing Differentiation/Integration Work to draw the distinction between Illness and Non-Illness in the psychotherapeutic themes and attitudes of the physically ill and/or disabled. The findings indicate that in this special population, the patient is stimulated to learn the language of change and how to overcome difficult situations. The model suggests a new clinical mode of treatment in which the physically ill and/or disabled are helped to cope with actual motifs and thoughts related to Non-Illness or Non-Disability.
TL;DR: In this article, a set of lenses that explore individual and family members' relationships within a variety of contexts is presented and described, and critical ethical issues and challenges often encountered by therapists are also examined.
Abstract: The area of custody evaluation is fraught with anxiety and tension for parents and children as well as therapists. This article encourages the use of a set of lenses that explores individual and family members' relationships within a variety of contexts. To advance the reader's understanding, a model employing various levels and domains will be presented and described. A variety of critical ethical issues, and challenges often encountered by therapists are also examined.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a metaphoric reconceptualization, that of family as anthology, to propose how individual and collective voices are heard, edited, subjugated, emphasized, embellished, and assembled; to illuminate the synergistic nature of family stories; and to integrate the dualistic simultaneity within families of "being" and "becoming".
Abstract: Therapists and theorists have long sought to define and thus contain the complex constellation of people and their stories that together constitute what we call “family.” Locating the use of metaphor in family therapy and practice within its historical context, and mindful of the ultimate limits of even the most congruent metaphor, the authors present a metaphoric reconceptualization, that of family as anthology, to propose how individual and collective voices are heard, edited, subjugated, emphasized, embellished, and assembled; to illuminate the synergistic nature of family stories; and to integrate the dualistic simultaneity within families of “being” and “becoming.”
TL;DR: In 1987, the University Press of America published Family Psychology II: Theory, Therapy, and Training by Luciano L'Abate, Ph.D. as discussed by the authors, which was the second edition of the Family Psychology I and II.
Abstract: Some 20 years ago, the University Press of America published Family Psychology: Theory, Therapy and Training by Luciano L'Abate, Ph.D. In 1987 they published Family Psychology II: Theory, Therapy, ...