Showing papers in "American Journal of Family Therapy in 2014"
TL;DR: In this paper, a meta-analysis of six studies involving a total of 603 participants found a significant association (r =.32) between trait emotional intelligence and romantic relationship satisfaction.
Abstract: This meta-analysis of six studies involving a total of 603 participants found a significant association (r = .32) between trait emotional intelligence and romantic relationship satisfaction. The association between the emotional intelligence of an individual and his or her self-reported romantic relationship satisfaction was significant, as was the relationship between an individual's emotional intelligence and the partner's level of satisfaction with the relationship. The association between trait emotional intelligence and romantic relationship satisfaction provides a foundation for future research, such as intervention studies aimed at increasing emotional intelligence in couples in order to increase romantic relationship satisfaction.
129 citations
TL;DR: The aim of this article is to understand the effects of childhood sexual abuse on a survivor's later life, and to help therapists understand the family context where sexual abuse occurs and how this affects health and functioning throughout the lifespan.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to understand the effects of childhood sexual abuse on a survivor's later life. For understanding and treating the emotional distress and interpersonal problems resulting from childhood sexual abuse, attachment theory provides a valuable framework. When this framework is combined with family systems theory, it can help therapists understand the family context where sexual abuse occurs and how this affects health and functioning throughout the lifespan. Case examples of female adult sexual abuse survivors are also explored, with insight from the intersection of systems and attachment theories.
54 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of existing literature on Internet infidelity, comparing online activities and Facebook-specific behaviors, five areas related to internet infidelity will be explored, such as definitions and the impact on relationships.
Abstract: The Internet can enhance existing relationships or facilitate the development of new relationships, including illicit ones. Increased research in this area has predominately been on online sexual addiction and pornography, with few about social networking sites. Facebook, a popular social networking site boasting 1.15 billion active users. This article reviews existing literature on Internet infidelity, comparing online activities and Facebook-specific behaviors. Five areas related to Internet infidelity will be explored, such as definitions and the impact on relationships. Although several similarities exist between general Internet and Facebook-specific infidelity, unique differences exist. Implications for future research and clinical practice are presented.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, two factors were analyzed in 72 divorced couples: the fact of having custody of the children or not, and the sex of the parent granted the custody, and these factors influence the use of 27 different alienation strategies selected for study by the authors.
Abstract: Two factors were analyzed in 72 divorced couples: the fact of having custody of the children or not, and the sex of the parent granted the custody. These factors influence the use of 27 different alienation strategies selected for study by the authors. The results show that the fact of having custody or not affects the number and type of alienation strategies used, whereas sex of the parent with custody only appears to affect the kinds of strategies used. This marks a qualitative difference between custody-holding men and women in relation to the way they exercise alienation.
29 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined relationships between differentiation of self and family functioning within the South Korean culture and found significant differences between the high differentiation group and the low differentiation group across family functioning, family satisfaction, and family communication.
Abstract: This study examined relationships between differentiation of self and family functioning within the South Korean culture. The participants in this study were 235 Koreans residing in South Korea and ranged in age from 20 to 70 years. An analysis of variance revealed that older South Koreans had higher differentiation levels than younger South Koreans. Results of a multivariate analysis of covariance revealed there were significant differences between the high differentiation group and the low differentiation group across family functioning, family satisfaction, and family communication. The authors briefly discuss implications for clinical practice and future research.
25 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the lived experiences of the spouses of online video game addicts via qualitative, phenomenological methodology, and suggest three categories that described participants' experiences of being married to an online game addict: Changes in My Husband, Changes in Me, and Changes in the Marital Relationship.
Abstract: Few studies have examined the impact of online video game addiction on addicts’ family members. The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experiences of the spouses of online video game addicts via qualitative, phenomenological methodology. Data were gathered via online, open-ended questions and suggested three categories that described participants’ experiences of being married to an online video game addict: Changes in My Husband, Changes in Me, and Changes in the Marital Relationship. Among these categories, seven themes and 12 subthemes emerged. The study concludes by discussing the essence of the phenomenon, as well as implications for therapy.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, self and other ratings of dyadic empathy are proposed to predict relationship satisfaction, and the results indicated that total perceived dyadic empathic empathy and perceived empathic congruity were significant predictors of relationship satisfaction.
Abstract: In this study, self and other ratings of dyadic empathy are proposed to predict relationship satisfaction. One-hundred and fifty-one individuals over the age of eighteen who were in a relationship of at least six months in length at the time of the survey completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index for Couples (Peloquin & Lafontaine, 2010) and the Couples Satisfaction Index (Funk & Rogge, 2007). Total scores for self and other rated dyadic empathy as well as scores of the congruity between self and other were assessed for each respondent. The results indicated that total perceived dyadic empathy and perceived dyadic empathic congruity were significant predictors of relationship satisfaction.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the interactions of three core variables (parenting style, family time, and screen time) on various common concerns of families, and found that parents using empowerment parenting, closely aligned with authoritative techniques, had children with better academic performance, reduced sleep onset latency (SOL), and healthier social and emotional behaviors than children of parents who practiced traditional parenting, more closely align with authoritarian techniques.
Abstract: Using the Learning Habit Study dataset of 21,145146,125 viewers took part in the Learning Habit Study. The analysis of this article was limited to parents of children who were in kindergarten through twelfth grade and who answered all items. This figure was 21,145. parent respondents, this study examined the interactions of three core variables – parenting style, family time, and screen time – on various common concerns of families. (“Screen time” is time spent using an electronic device that has a screen, such as: a computer, television, game console, tablet, or cell phone.) Analysis of the data suggested that parents using empowerment parenting, closely aligned with authoritative techniques, had children with better academic performance, reduced sleep onset latency (SOL), and healthier social and emotional behaviors than children of parents who practiced traditional parenting, more closely aligned with authoritarian techniques. Further, increased family time was found to have benefits to children on par...
16 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe strategies for couple and family therapists to use in the context of their treatment, including relationship initiation, relationship maintenance, and relationship enhancement, which are grounded in both theoretical and empirical knowledge and cover three categories of application.
Abstract: While couples may be holding hands with one another, they are also holding their cell phones in the other hand. Technology is so woven into the fabric of our society that it is hard to separate it from the relationship itself. As such, the role of the marriage and family therapist demands that it attends to technology within the practice of couple therapy. This article describes strategies for couple and family therapists to use in the context of their treatment. The strategies are grounded in both theoretical and empirical knowledge and cover three categories of application: relationship initiation, relationship maintenance, and relationship enhancement.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the qualitative results of a mixed-methods investigation into client expectations about couple therapy were provided, showing that expectations were fairly consistent across couples, with some diversity in expectations specific to couples' presenting problems.
Abstract: Little is known about clients’ expectations about couple therapy. The present study provides the qualitative results of a mixed-methods investigation into client expectations about couple therapy. Participants were 20 individuals from 10 couples enrolled in couple therapy. Participants were interviewed with their partner prior to the first session of couple therapy using a semi-structured interview. Results of the qualitative content analysis of interview data indicated that couple members formed pre-therapy expectations about their therapist, the therapy process, therapy topics, partner behavior, and therapy outcomes. Expectations were fairly consistent across couples, with some diversity in expectations specific to couples’ presenting problems.
15 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined common marital problems faced by Brazilian couples and found that money, children, jealousy, and sex were the most common problems among married couples in Brazil.
Abstract: As the practice of marriage and family therapy is spreading across the world, it is important for knowledge regarding marital processes and patterns to expand to countries outside of North America and Europe. This study examined common marital problems faced by Brazilian couples. The sample consisted of 80 married couples living in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Results showed that money, children, jealousy, and sex were common problems faced by Brazilian couples. There were few gender differences found. Sex and alcohol had a significant impact on marital satisfaction of wives, and sex had a significant impact on marital satisfaction of husbands.
TL;DR: Findings suggest that IFS helped therapists identify, understand, and manage their internal processes, which seemed to benefit the therapeutic relationship, identify therapists’ personal agendas, model work with the internal system, and foster a better understanding of the client's internal system.
Abstract: This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to understand: (a) whether and how the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model helps beginning therapists gain awareness of their internal processes and (b) whether and how such awareness influences their clinical work. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with seven beginning therapists and data were analyzed using thematic coding. Findings suggest that IFS helped therapists identify, understand, and manage their internal processes, which seemed to benefit the therapeutic relationship, identify therapists’ personal agendas, model work with the internal system, and foster a better understanding of the client's internal system. Clinical training implications are discussed.
TL;DR: A three-stage treatment was described to illustrate how an attachment informed conceptualization was translated into intricate steps of interventions leading to a successful clinical outcome.
Abstract: Through an attachment lens, the case study reviews the treatment of a 4-year-old boy in foster care with the diagnosis of Reactive Attachment Disorder. A three-stage treatment was described to illustrate how an attachment informed conceptualization was translated into intricate steps of interventions leading to a successful clinical outcome. The case study emphasizes and highlights the importance to recognize and understand emotional dynamics that are rooted in attachment experiences and expectations. It offers important clinical insight into the emotional and psychological process this boy went through to finally reach the territory of recovery.
TL;DR: The program described in the present article focused on service member parents and their teenage children participating in camps together to provide an opportunity for military personnel who recently returned from deployment to reconnect with an adolescent after an extended absence due to deployment.
Abstract: The program described in the present article focused on service member parents and their teenage children participating in camps together. The scope of the project was to provide an opportunity for military personnel who recently returned from deployment to reconnect with an adolescent after an extended absence due to deployment. The camps used the Campfire Curriculum, which included experiential learning, team-building experiences and nightly campfire programs from the Blue to You curriculum for military families. Open-ended responses from parent participants suggested that time together with their children, interacting with fellow service members and their kids, sharing stories, and opportunities for camaraderie were especially important and meaningful.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined adolescent attitudes towards these programs and services both before and after participation in a youth relationship education curriculum, Relationship Smarts Plus (RS+), and found that attitudes significantly improved, on average, for European American males and African American females.
Abstract: Although relationship education programs have been shown to be effective in promoting healthy relationships, participants are typically not from diverse backgrounds. Adolescent attitudes towards these programs and services were examined both before and after participation in a youth relationship education curriculum, Relationship Smarts Plus (RS+). The sample consisted of 1845 adolescents aged 11–18, 58% African American, 42% European American, 54.4% female, 45.6% male, from diverse family structures. Attitudes differed significantly between demographic groups at Time 1, where females and African Americans held more favorable attitudes. After RS+, attitudes significantly improved, on average, for European American males and African American females.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focused on examining the process an individual goes through when making the decision to have an extramarital relationship and examined the impact of marital infidelity.
Abstract: Due to the growing prevalence and potential negative effects of marital infidelity, it is important for both clinicians and researchers to understand its occurrence. This study focused on examining the process an individual goes through when making the decision to have an affair. Semi-structured interviews were audio taped, transcribed, and analyzed using the transcendental phenomenological model (Moustakas, 1994). The women reported developing relationships outside of their marriage, having support from family/friends for the extramarital relationship, and receiving positive attention from their affair partner. Clinical and research implications are discussed as well as the limitations of the current study.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of marital quality on perceptions of weight as a problem in the marriage, activity level, and eating habits were analyzed for married couples, and the results indicated that wife marital quality was positively associated with weight being a problem for wives, while husband marital quality is negatively associated with both husbands and wives in the relationship.
Abstract: Survey data from the RELATE inventory (www.relate-institute.org) was gathered for married couples (N = 374) and was analyzed for effects of marital quality on perceptions of weight as a problem in the marriage, activity level, and eating habits. Results indicate that wife marital quality was positively associated with weight being a problem for wives, while husband marital quality was negatively associated with weight being a problem for both husbands and wives in the relationship. Wife marital quality was also positively associated with husband activity level, while husband marital quality was negatively associated with husband activity level. Implications for clinicians are discussed.
TL;DR: The purpose was to survey MFT students, faculty, and licensed clinicians about their current practices, training, beliefs, and theoretical perspectives of working with clients who are overweight and WRB.
Abstract: Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs), undoubtedly, will be working with clients who are overweight and are working on their weight-related behaviors (WRB). Yet, little is known about MFTs' approach with this population. Our purpose was to survey MFT students, faculty, and licensed clinicians about their current practices, training, beliefs, and theoretical perspectives of working with clients who are overweight and WRB. One-hundred eight participants completed an electronic mixed-method survey. Participants reported that they were not trained to work with overweight clients on WRB, but strongly believed they should be. Contextual differences, implications for training, and future research are discussed herein.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors tested the psychometric properties of one commonly used measure of social support (SSI) with 651 low income families through a local public housing program.
Abstract: The role of social support is an important factor in building resilience within families. While robust definitions of social support exist, few assessments parallel these conceptual frameworks. This study tested the psychometric properties of one commonly used measure of social support (SSI) with 651 low income families through a local public housing program. Results of this study show that the SSI can approach a more robust assessment of social support when the measure is used as a multi-dimensional tool. Conclusions offer a subscale scoring system for this assessment which can be used in both research and clinical practice.
TL;DR: Key aspects of treating Chinese American families where a child is struggling with adolescent depression are highlighted and therapist guidelines are provided using key aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy.
Abstract: A significant challenge for researchers and clinicians is in the process of determining culturally sensitive strategies to ensure treatment effectiveness with ethnic populations in the United States. This article highlights key aspects of treating Chinese American families where a child is struggling with adolescent depression. Relevant literatures associated with adolescent depression and effective treatment of Chinese Americans are reviewed and organized according to the dimensions of therapist knowledge, awareness, and skills. Therapist guidelines are provided using key aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy. Additional suggestions are presented for culturally competent therapy with Chinese American youth and their families.
TL;DR: This paper found evidence that intrinsic religious motivation was associated with acceptability of forgiveness framed as a spiritual issue and overall, while extrinsic-social religious motivation is not associated with acceptance of forgiveness intervention framed in any way, but it was also related to the misconception of forgiveness as relationship reconciliation.
Abstract: This study addresses a gap in the research related to understanding how religious motivation (both extrinsic and intrinsic) relates to attitudes towards forgiveness as a therapeutic intervention. Our findings provide evidence that intrinsic religious motivation was associated with acceptability of forgiveness framed as a spiritual issue and overall, while extrinsic-social religious motivation was not associated with acceptance of forgiveness intervention framed in any way. Extrinsic–personal religious motivation was associated with greater acceptability of forgiveness framed as a spiritual issue, but it was also related to the misconception of forgiveness as relationship reconciliation. Implications for MFTs are discussed.
TL;DR: This article presents a primer on HIPAA privacy and security rules for marriage and family therapists.
Abstract: The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act) of 2009 established criminal and civil penalties for violations of HIPAA regulations, and included funding for audits. HIPAA privacy protections include the systems that store, maintain, and transmit it. HIPAA will soon set the industry standard for privacy and documentation in marriage and family therapist's practice. This article presents a primer on HIPAA privacy and security rules for marriage and family therapists.
TL;DR: The authors address the concepts of financial literacy and financial problems, and suggest a training curriculum to guide therapists in decisions about treating financial concerns for couples.
Abstract: Evidence suggests that many couples attending marital therapy report that financial concerns have a significant impact on their distress. Despite the complaint, many Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) training programs do not offer courses that teach therapists how to properly address financial concerns as a part of their training or curriculum, leaving many practitioners unaware of the processes associated with remediating the distress. The authors address the concepts of financial literacy and financial problems, and suggest a training curriculum to guide therapists in decisions about treating financial concerns for couples. Suggestions of future research and core competencies are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, the intersection of Facebook and family therapy is examined through the lens of structural family therapy, and a case vignette is provided to demonstrate how Facebook can be used as a tool to help heal struggling relationships.
Abstract: Facebook has quickly been made into a household name with more than 700 million users worldwide (Carpenter, 2011). With the popularity of Facebook continuously growing, it is important to analyze the influence of Facebook on relationships. This article examines the intersection of Facebook and family therapy. More specifically, Facebook is viewed through the lens of structural family therapy. Key concepts in structural family therapy are provided along with a case vignette to demonstrate how Facebook can be used as a tool to help heal struggling relationships. Suggestions for future recommendations related to treatment and research are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, female graduate students in counseling and clinical psychology retrospectively rated maternal and paternal boundaries in their families of origin and found that maternal enmeshment and maternal psychological control were related to disordered eating.
Abstract: Female graduate students in counseling and clinical psychology retrospectively rated maternal and paternal boundaries in their families of origin. Subscales of the Eating Disorders Inventory-3 were used to assess disordered eating, including drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, bulimia symptoms, and overall risk. Results indicated that maternal enmeshment and maternal psychological control were related to disordered eating. Further, daughters who reported that their mothers shielded them from parents’ conflict and adult concerns were less likely to report drive for thinness or bulimic tendencies. With respect to paternal boundary problems, paternal infantilization (overprotection) was significantly related to daughters’ drive for thinness.
TL;DR: For instance, this article found that mothers' perceptions of greater paternal involvement was associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression, and withdrawal in their children, and higher frequency of behavior problems.
Abstract: In Study 1, 20 parents (mostly mothers) completed the Parental Involvement Scale (PIS) and the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMSS), and teachers completed the Child Behavior Check List. Mothers' perceptions of greater paternal involvement was associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression, and withdrawal in their children. In Study 2, 50 parents from 13 day care centers filled out the PIS, KMSS, and Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory. Greater paternal involvement was associated with greater frequency of behavior problems. Results are discussed in terms of different features of the studies that might have produced such discrepant results. Clinical implications are considered.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focused on communication as a family resilience factor in families in which an adult suffers from a depressive disorder and found that the majority of the participants stated that the absence of conversation would have meant the end of their relationship.
Abstract: This study focused on communication as a family resilience factor in families in which an adult suffers from a depressive disorder. Six partners of depressive adults were interviewed. Results revealed two groups of couples. The “talkative couples” have many conversations during the depression and a facilitating factor was having insight into the depression. The other group, the “taciturn couples,” indicated large difficulties in having conversations, resulting in silence being the dominant contact between the partners. The majority of the participants stated that the absence of conversation would have meant the end of their relationship.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore attachment perspectives of romantic relationships and intimate partner commitments and present four challenges faced by individuals who are in a relationship where an expressed problem is the lack of a formal commitment.
Abstract: In this article, we explore attachment perspectives of romantic relationships and intimate partner commitments We then present four challenges faced by individuals who are in a relationship where an expressed problem is the lack of a formal commitment The four challenges that we address are (a) lack of recognition for the relationship, (b) cultural/religious pressures, (c) not being financially ready for a formal commitment, and (d) differences in what a formal commitment means We then provide real-life examples of four people struggling with formal commitment, and we conclude with clinical implications of this phenomenon
TL;DR: The purpose of this article is to explore the empirical research that focuses on the association between fees and therapy outcomes as well as on therapists’ responses to issues of money.
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to explore the empirical research that focuses on the association between fees and therapy outcomes as well as on therapists’ responses to issues of money. In addition, the authors will discuss implications for training programs surrounding the issue of client fees and offer suggestions for ways training programs might address the issue.
TL;DR: The aim of this article is to assist therapists to manage their own anxiety and to help them help their clients in between sessions in difficult situations such as suicidality, child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, and crisis and stress management.
Abstract: Therapists often have to deal with situations that make them uneasy to leave their clients on their own. They can go home and wonder what their clients are doing, whether they are safe, have a place to stay, even whether or not they are fighting. These thoughts can be overwhelming for the therapist. They may think about their clients' safety, they may also be worried about their own professional way of dealing with these situations, and its implications for them as clinician. The aim of this paper is to assist therapists to manage their own anxiety and to help them help their clients in between sessions in difficult situations such as suicidality, child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, crisis and stress management.