Showing papers in "American Journal of Family Therapy in 2016"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated relationships between differentiation of self, mate selection, and marital adjustment in a Spanish sample of 118 heterosexual couples (N = 236) and found that greater self-awareness and greater similarity in partners' differentiation levels each predicted greater marital adjustment.
Abstract: This research investigates relationships between differentiation of self, mate selection, and marital adjustment in a Spanish sample of 118 heterosexual couples (N = 236). In line with Bowen theory, greater differentiation of self and greater similarity in partners' differentiation of self levels each predicted greater marital adjustment. Contrary to theory, gender differences were observed on the S-DSI, with males showing higher total differentiation scores than females, and hypothesized links between differentiation of self and mate selection were not observed. Implications for therapy and suggestions for future research with the S-DSI are discussed.
37 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the prevalence of adults who sext, their sexting behaviors, and how it impacted relationship satisfaction and found that heterosexual women are negatively impacted if they do not reciprocate a sext message; yet nonheterosexual women, and men in general, are not negatively impacted.
Abstract: Given that few researchers have addressed sexting among adult samples, we sought to evaluate the prevalence of adults who sext, their sexting behaviors, and how it impacted relationship satisfaction. Analyses on the sample (N = 1171) revealed that heterosexual women are negatively impacted if they do not reciprocate a sext message; yet nonheterosexual women, and men in general, are not negatively impacted. This finding can be best understood within the framework of relational cultural theory (RCT). Implications for future research and for the practice of mental health providers are discussed.
27 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, cultural sensitivity is defined as a state of attunement, emotional resonance with, and meaningful responsiveness to others, which is a common factor that spans models, rather than resides within them.
Abstract: Cultural sensitivity is a state of attunement, emotional resonance with, and meaningful responsiveness to others. MFT professionals continue to discuss cultural sensitivity in relationship to models and therapists. We see cultural sensitivity as a common factor that spans models, rather than resides within them. We present a case vignette to illustrate the distinction between doing cultural sensitivity and being culturally sensitive. We also discuss implications of conceptualizing cultural sensitivity as an MFT common factor for teaching and research.
22 citations
TL;DR: The authors found that insecure romantic attachment predicts higher levels of relational aggression, but no research has attempted to explain that relationship with mediating variables, such as relationship power, which is associated with attachment and partner violence.
Abstract: Evidence illustrates that insecure romantic attachment predicts higher levels of relational aggression. However, no research has attempted to explain that relationship with mediating variables, such as relationship power, which is associated with attachment and partner violence. Data for this study included 457 couples from Wave 2 of the Flourishing Families Study. Actor Partner Interdependence results indicated that insecure attachment was significantly predictive of relational aggression actor effects. There was also a significant partner effect between male insecure attachment and female relational aggression, and power was a significant mediator between attachment and relational aggression for males and females.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined associations between exposure to parental alienation behaviors (PA) and anxiety and depression in a community sample of Italian adults and found that exposure to PA was associated with higher ratings of depression and anxiety.
Abstract: This study examined associations between exposure to parental alienation behaviors (PA) and anxiety and depression in a community sample of Italian adults. Data were examined by the gender of the alienating parent and the gender of the respondent/adult child. Five hundred nine adults were administered the Baker Strategy Questionnaire (BSQ), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y); and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Results revealed that exposure to PA was associated with higher ratings of anxiety and depression. The data add to the growing body of knowledge regarding the long-term negative impact of exposure to parental alienation.
21 citations
TL;DR: Five major themes emerged from the focus group depicting their challenges: Death Experience; Family Dynamics; Coping; Family and Community Involvement; and Advice, which provide direction for family therapists treating young widows and widowers.
Abstract: A phenomenological study was conducted to better understand the challenges faced by young widows and widowers. Nine young widows and three young widowers (n = 12) participated in a focus group and discussed their experiences after the loss of their spouse. Five major themes emerged from the focus group depicting their challenges: Death Experience; Family Dynamics; Coping; Family and Community Involvement; and Advice. The themes and sub-themes provide direction for family therapists treating young widows and widowers, and areas of future research to better understand and provide services to this vulnerable population.
21 citations
TL;DR: This model proposes Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Structural Family Therapy with a focus on the caregivers of children with ASDs to reduce parental stress, increase parental self-efficacy, and ultimately begin to manage child behavior problems.
Abstract: Previous therapeutic models for modifying and managing problem behaviors in children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder have, typically, focused on working directly with the diagnosed child. The exclusion of other family member involvement in treatment displayed a need for creating a systemic model for managing children's problem behaviors. This model proposes Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Structural Family Therapy (SFT) with a focus on the caregivers of children with ASDs to reduce parental stress, increase parental self-efficacy, and ultimately begin to manage child behavior problems.
17 citations
TL;DR: Addressing the function of NSSI in a family context will help shift the perspective of clinicians from behavioral, individual therapy to structural family therapy.
Abstract: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescence has been increasing steadily over the past several decades. Mental health professionals frequently address NSSI solely within an individual context. Behaviorally focused therapy is the norm for treating NSSI in adolescents, but existence of the behavior as a larger manifestation of structural family problems is missing from this modality of therapy. Although short-term outcomes display a reduction or cessation of NSSI, long-term efficacy is still not proven for behaviorally focused therapies. Addressing the function of NSSI in a family context will help shift the perspective of clinicians from behavioral, individual therapy to structural family therapy.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss protective measures to reduce risks of false accusations, character assassination, harassment, and violence in working with children who have irrationally rejected a parent.
Abstract: Working with children who have irrationally rejected a parent is an emerging area of practice with unique risks. The dynamics that drive false allegations about a parent also drive accusations against professionals who participate in a process to reunify the children with that parent. This article discusses protective measures to reduce risks of false accusations, character assassination, harassment, and violence. Recommendations are offered for organizations charged with investigating complaints. Agencies that do an inadequate job of handling such complaints may harm the public by driving innovators from the field and reducing the availability of programs that have helped many families.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored associations among perceived fairness, marital conflict, and depression in a Marriage Matters Panel Survey of Newlywed Couples and found that fairness would precede marital conflict and continued conflict would lead to greater depression.
Abstract: This study explored associations among perceived fairness, marital conflict, and depression. Data for this study included married participants (n = 401 couples) from the Marriage Matters Panel Survey of Newlywed Couples. This study tested three autoregressive cross-lagged models and hypothesized that fairness would precede marital conflict, and continued conflict would lead to greater depression. The final model found that wives' Time 1 perceived fairness was associated with their husbands' conflict at Time 2, and that husbands' perceived fairness at Time 2 was associated with their wives' depression at Time 3. Findings suggest some support for addressing perceived fairness with couples.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a path analysis was performed to determine if exercise and diet would moderate the association between the number of potentially traumatic life events experienced and posttraumatic stress, depression, and relationship quality.
Abstract: Exercise and diet have not been examined as potential protective factors between trauma and trauma-related sequelae. Using data collected from emerging adults (N = 321), we tested a path analysis to determine if exercise and diet would moderate the association between the number of potentially traumatic life events experienced and posttraumatic stress, depression, and relationship quality. More exercise was directly associated with higher posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms. A healthier diet was directly associated with lower posttraumatic stress, lower depressive symptoms, and higher relationship quality. Results suggest there may be value in highlighting exercise and diet in family therapy.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the potential use of scaling in family therapists' ethical decision-making through case examples, and explore the benefits and risks of such an approach in case examples.
Abstract: Ethical decision-making in family therapy is inherently complex, as it requires therapists to balance competing needs of multiple individuals and subsystems. Scaling offers a potential means of helping facilitate such decision-making, by encouraging attendance to the likely impact of various courses of action on individuals and subsystems as related to each of the core ethical principles underlying psychotherapeutic practice. This article explores the potential use of scaling in family therapists’ ethical decision-making through case examples. Benefits and risks of such an approach are reviewed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors made several unsubstantiated assertions about the findings and contributions of child psychiatrist, Richard Gardner, who coined the term, Parental Alienation Syndr...
Abstract: In the above article, the authors made several unsubstantiated assertions about the findings and contributions of child psychiatrist, Richard Gardner, who coined the term, Parental Alienation Syndr...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors sought to answer whether there is an association between parent-adolescent relationship processes and adolescents' awareness of unhealthy relationships using a retrospective pre/post survey after participation in a relationship education program.
Abstract: This study sought to answer whether there is an association between parent-adolescent relationship processes and adolescents' awareness of unhealthy relationships. Adolescent awareness of unhealthy relationships was measured using a retrospective pre/post survey after participation in a relationship education (RE) program that has been adapted for use with youth. Supportiveness in the parent-child relationship was measured at pre-test. The sample consisted of 6984 adolescents aged 11–18. The sample was fairly representative of the areas from which it was drawn: 54% European American, 36% African American. Results revealed significant improvement in awareness of unhealthy relationships after program participation. Greater supportiveness predicted greater change in the outcome. This suggests that RE programs targeted at youth should specifically inform parents of goals so that they may be reinforced in parents' interactions with their adolescents.
TL;DR: This paper summarized recent theoretical and empirical evidence as well as experimental and practical highlights from 60 years of clinical practice, research, and teaching in family therapy, including variations on the theme of the Deadly Drama Triangle and their workbook applications.
Abstract: Recent theoretical and empirical evidence as well as experimental and practical highlights from 60 years of clinical practice, research, and teaching in family therapy are summarized. This summary contains recent highlights that remain in my memory more vividly than others. I shall start with selected models of Relational Competence Theory (RCT), including variations on the theme of the Deadly Drama Triangle and their workbook applications.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the progress and causes of panic disorder symptoms in a client by focusing on family culture, events, and sociocultural background, and revealed that the underlying cause of the client's anxiety was originated from family characteristics.
Abstract: This study examined the progress and causes of panic disorder symptoms in a client by focusing on family culture, events, and sociocultural background. The study results revealed that the underlying cause of the client's anxiety was originated from family characteristics. The present study suggested a new perspective on panic disorder by delving into family relations and sociocultural background in Korea, such as son preference, academic background-oriented culture, and collectivism. This study intended to provide a new perspective on how the experiences within family could affect panic disorder and to propose family therapeutic method for dealing with panic disorder.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the effectiveness of the Safe Conversations workshop with low income, racial and ethnic minority couples and found that both males and females were found to derive benefits from the workshop at equal rates.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Safe Conversations workshop with low income, racial and ethnic minority couples. A sample of 156 individuals (N = 156) participated in a relationship workshop developed by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt which utilized the theory and practice of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT). Participants were administered the Dyadic Adjustment Scale before and after the workshop. Findings indicated statistical significance in their overall DAS score and a large effect size in one of four relationship subscales: Consensus. Both males and females were found to derive benefits from the workshop at equal rates.
TL;DR: In this article, a 30-year old Caucasian male diagnosed with Adjustment Disorders (AD) was treated using Symbolic-Experiential Family Therapy (SEFT) approach.
Abstract: Despite studies claiming Adjustment Disorders (AD) affect up to 10% of the general population, research is severely lacking for effective treatment recommendations and screening tools. This article presents the treatment of a 30-year old Caucasian male diagnosed with AD - mixed anxiety and depression subtype. After 12 standard 60-minute sessions, treatment using a Symbolic-Experiential Family Therapy (SEFT) approach resulted in the alleviation of depression and anxiety symptoms. This case study provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of SEFT using a mixed methods case study. Implications for further study, and the usefulness of SEFT for the treatment of AD, is presented.
TL;DR: Research addressing residential care for older adults is summarized, detailing a) mental health challenges faced by residents, families, and professional care-providers, b) effective mental health treatment options, and c) how MFTs are uniquely suited to working in long-term care settings.
Abstract: As baby boomers reach retirement age, the number of older adults living in long-term care will inevitably increase. Living in long-term care often brings psychological, relational, and emotional challenges for older adults, their families, and professional care-providers. Despite these trends and associated challenges, there appears to be an underrepresentation of attention addressing the mental health care of older adults and their families in marriage and family therapy (MFT) literature. Emphasis needs to be turned to assessing the quality and effectiveness of mental health resources for older adults in residential facilities, and to filling the gap where needed services are unavailable. The current review summarizes research addressing residential care for older adults, detailing a) mental health challenges faced by residents, families, and professional care-providers, b) effective mental health treatment options, and c) how MFTs are uniquely suited to working in long-term care settings.
TL;DR: A modified version of the role-play, in which a constant family is used in preparing student-therapists for clinical work, is presented.
Abstract: Marriage and Family Therapy training programs use role-plays and simulations to train their students in interviewing skills and in various therapeutic models. A review of literature shows that these training tools do not allow student-therapists to experience therapy beyond the first session. This article presents a modified version of the role-play, in which a constant family is used in preparing student-therapists for clinical work. This article describes a training scenario using the constant family role play and includes feedback from student-therapists. The authors present the benefits, limitations, and potential training considerations that can enhance use of the constant family role play.
TL;DR: L'Abate, Ph.D., or Lu as he preferred to be called, died at the age of 87 on April 16, 2016 as discussed by the authors, and Lu is among those admired individuals who were unquestionably successful in both their personal and professional lives.
Abstract: Luciano L'Abate, Ph.D., or Lu as he preferred to be called, died at the age of 87 on April 16, 2016. Lu is among those admired individuals who were unquestionably successful in both their personal ...
TL;DR: Preliminary evidence suggests that this type of early intervention can have an impact on families not involved in public systems, but who are voluntarily asking for help.
Abstract: Families oftentimes struggle with issues that seem too burdensome to bear alone. In an effort to alleviate this burden, Boys Town partnered with the Nebraska Region VI Office of Mental Health to provide in-home services to families calling the Nebraska Family Helpline. Results indicate that families experienced a significant reduction in stress and were able to remain intact. Follow-up data indicate that outcomes were maintained up to twelve months after case closure. This preliminary evidence suggests that this type of early intervention can have an impact on families not involved in public systems, but who are voluntarily asking for help.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined whether couple attachment behaviors, as measured by the Brief Accessibility, Responsiveness, and Engagement Scale, can mediate the influence of depressive symptoms on health for men and women.
Abstract: This study examined whether couple attachment behaviors, as measured by the BARE (Brief Accessibility, Responsiveness, and Engagement Scale), can mediate the influence of depressive symptoms on health for men and women. Data were gathered from the Relate Institute (www.relateinstitute.com) from 797 couples who were in a romantic relationship. Results showed depressive symptoms negatively predict daily eating habits and activity level and positively predicted total health problems and healthcare utilization for both females and males. For partners, female depression negatively predicated both male physical activity and total health problems, and also positively predicted healthcare utilization for men. Results also suggest that attachment behaviors mediated the association between depressive symptoms and total health problems. Findings are discussed from both a clinical and systemic perspective. It may be that fostering secure attachment behaviors in romantic relationships would be a helpful tool f...