bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERVENTION STRATEGIES: PREDICTING FAMILY THERAPY OUTCOME*
Authors: Russell Candyce S. , Atilano Raymond B. , Anderson Stephan A. , Jurich Anthony P. , Bergen Lois Paff
Published: June 2007

A pre‐defined list of family therapy intervention strategies was used to predict post‐therapy perceived life happiness and marital happiness among husbands and wives. Clients presented with both child and marriage‐focused problems. The data were analyzed separately for husbands and wives. In general, favorable outcome for husbands was associated with active restructuring operations on the part of the therapist. Prediction of outcome for wives was less clear. However, wives did appear to respond favorably to less active interventions such as actualizing transactional patterns and reframing.
MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING EXAMINATIONS: ONE MODEL*
Authors: Markowski Edward Mel , Cain Harry I.
Published: June 2007

The design of the North Carolina Marital and Family Therapy Certification Examination is outlined by its authors to provide a frame of reference for the development of other licensing and certification instruments. The purpose, procedures, resources, guidelines, content, and normative data of the examination are described. The model is offered to stimulate meaningful dialogue on marital and family therapy licensing and certification instrumentation. Guidelines toward the development of a national marital and family therapy examination are also presented.
ENGAGEMENT IN FAMILIES OF HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS*
Authors: Podietz Lenore , Belmont Herman , Shapiro Marion , Zwerling Israel , Ficher Ilda , Eisenstein Talia , Levick Myra
Published: June 2007

A questionnaire study of 80 young adult children of Holocaust survivors and 138 children of “American” families matched for age, sex, education and socioeconomic status corroborated the hypothesis that members of survivor families are more closely engaged than are members of “American” families: attachments are tighter, and separations are effected with greater difficulty. Children of survivors more frequently describe themselves as protective of their parents. Significant differences between the two populations were found to be consistent with the descriptions in the largely anecdotal literature on Holocaust survivors regarding the structure of survivor families.
A FORMAL EXPLICATION OF THE CONCEPT OF FAMILY HOMEOSTASIS
Authors: Ariel Shlomo , Carel Cynthia A. , Tyano Samuel
Published: June 2007

The concept of family homeostasis and related concepts such as family rules and family feedback mechanisms came under heavy fire in a recent article by Dell (1982). It is not easy to evaluate the arguments brought forth by Dell, since the concepts in question seem to have never been formally explicated. Most of this article is devoted to an attempt to develop such a formal explication. Dell's arguments are then examined one by one in the light of this explication, and most of them are shown to be mistaken. His main conclusion, that the concept of homeostasis should be replaced by a concept of coherence, is rejected.
WHY FAMILY THERAPY SHOULD GO BEYOND HOMEOSTASIS: A KUHNIAN REPLY TO ARIEL, CAREL AND TYANO
Authors: Dell Paul F.
Published: June 2007

The thesis of “Beyond Homeostasis” is (a) that the discourse of family therapists unquestionably shows that family therapists have tended to see homeostasis as a trait of families; and (b) that such a view of homeostasis is inconsistent with the systemic paradigm. Therefore, family therapy should go beyond such an understanding of homeostasis. Ariel et al. may have failed to grasp this argument; they have certainly chosen to ignore it. Ariel et al. have provided a logical empiricist explication of the nonsystemic version of homeostasis which is portrayed in the discourse of family therapists. I still argue that family therapy should go beyond such an understanding of homeostasis.
STRATEGIC APPROACHES TO MARITAL STUCKNESS*
Authors: Todd Thomas C.
Published: June 2007

Several strategic techniques are presented for unblocking marital therapy when an impasse has been reached. For each technique, the goals and applicability of the intervention are presented, as well as potential problems and modifications. All of these techniques employ the acceptance and amplification of the status quo. The techniques are not intended to be used in isolation and require careful and well‐planned application.
A STRUCTURAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS OF SYMPTOMATIC ADOPTED CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES*
Authors: Talen Mary R. , Lehr Maura L.
Published: June 2007

Based on a mental health pilot project with 34 adoptive families, this paper examines the unique differences of adoptive families from other family systems. The paper defines the context of the adopted child's symptoms and the families' characteristics. The relationship between adoption and the family's structure and development are analyzed.
TOWARD A THEORY OF FRAMES AND REFRAMING: THE SOCIAL NATURE OF FRAMES*
Authors: Coyne James C.
Published: June 2007

The therapeutic use of reframing is fundamental to strategic therapy, yet we lack an adequate conceptual scheme for understanding the critical elements of effective reframings. Some background for the concepts of frame and reframing are provided, along with clinical examples. Much of the existing literature links reframing to what has been termed “radical constructivisim,” a theory that knowledge is a personal construction, a creation, rather than a discovery. Both the contribution and the limitations of radical constructivism are noted. It is criticized for minimizing the extent to which individuals' construction of their predicaments are social in nature and an adaptation to influences that are independent of individual cognitive activity. Clinical imlications of this perspective are explored.
INTEGRATIVE MULTI‐LEVEL THERAPY: A COMPREHENSIVE INTERPERSONAL AND INTRAPSYCHIC APPROACH*
Authors: Feldman Larry B.
Published: June 2007

Integrative Multi‐Level Therapy (IMLT) is a comprehensive interpersonal and intrapsychic approach to clinical assessment and therapeutic intervention with distressed individuals, couples and families. In this article, the principles and practice of IMLT are presented and illustrated with clinical examples. Research support for the IMLT approach is described.
STAGES OF FAMILY INVOLVEMENT IN THE RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Jones James M.
Published: June 2007

A strong case has been made in the literature that the effective treatment of adolescents in long‐term psychiatric hospitals or residential treatment centers must include treatment of the family. This highlights the need for a family treatment model that integrates a long‐term psychodynamically oriented residential treatment approach with family systems theory. Such a model must take into account the stages of inpatient treatment and must address therapeutic management of the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of separation between the adolescent and the family. A bridge between family systems theory and psychoanalytic theory can be found in object relations theory. A four‐stage model for working with families having a hospitalized adolescent member is described in which each stage builds upon the previous one. Progress through the stages depends upon the establishment of a relationship in which the family perceives the hospital as supportive, nonjudgmental, helpful and trustworthy.
HERPES IN DYADIC RELATIONSHIPS: PATTERNS AND TREATMENT
Authors: Drob Sanford , Bernard Harold S.
Published: June 2007

This paper explores the variety of ways in which dyadic relationships can be affected when one partner suffers from genital herpes. Six specific patterns are described: When One Partner Does Not Know, The Compromise Relationship, The Enraged Partner, The Mark of Guilt, Problems in Risk Management, and Herpes Used as a Weapon. Treatment strategies for dealing with each of these patterns are offered.
USES OF CHILDREN'S MAKE‐BELIEVE PLAY IN FAMILY THERAPY:THEORY AND CLINICAL EXAMPLES
Authors: Ariel Shlomo , Carel Cynthia A. , Tyano Samuel
Published: June 2007

A theoretical framework for developing, describing and analyzing family‐therapeutic techniques involving make‐believe play is presented and illustrated by clinical examples. This theoretical framework includes specifications of the therapeutic goals served by the technique and its procedural details (the therapist's position and roles, the method of intervention, the sources of play content and means, and the amount of planning) and an analysis of its rationale (the properties of the make‐believe play involved, the targets of the intervention in the family system, the expected changes and their causes). This framework draws on a definition of the concept “make‐believe play,” a model for the analysis of make‐believe play symbols and a model of family systems, which are briefly sketched in this article, preceding the presentation of the theoretical framework itself.
TREATMENT OF CHILDREN'S FEARS: A STRATEGIC UTILIZATION APPROACH
Authors: Protinsky Howard
Published: June 2007

The Sufi teaching story of the Watermelon Hunter perhaps teaches us much of what we need to know about Milton Erickson's strategic utilization approach to therapy:

Once upon a time there was a man who strayed from his own country into the Land of Fools. He saw a number of people running in fear from a field where they had been trying to harvest wheat. They reported to this man that there was a monster in the field. Upon closer observation, the traveler saw that it was only a watermelon. The traveler offered to kill this monster for them, and he cut the watermelon from the stalk and ate it. The people then became more afraid of him than of the monster and drove him away from their village.

It happened later that another man wandered into the Land of Fools, and the same thing began to take place. This man agreed, however, that it was a monster and led them tiptoeing away from it. He spent a long time with them and lived with them in their houses until he could slowly teach them the facts that would help them to loose their terror of melons. Eventually, they even grew melons for their own pleasure. (Shah, 1970)
A FAMILY‐OF‐ORIGIN SCALE*
Authors: Hovestadt Alan J. , Anderson William T. , Piercy Fred P. , Cochran Samuel W. , Fine Marshall
Published: June 2007

While family‐of‐origin interventions are widely used, the theoretical assumptions upon which these techniques are based are largely without empirical validation. This paper reports on the development of a family‐of‐origin scale that may be used in such research as well as employed as an adjunct to therapy. The resultant scale attempts to measure self‐perceived levels of health in one's family of origin. Presented are data pertaining to the scale's validity, reliability, and normative sample.
THE SEXUAL GENOGRAM
Authors: Hof Larry , Berman Ellen
Published: June 2007

The sexual genogram combines aspects of the sex history with the genograml family journey to examine the impact of the partners' family loyalties, secrets and “scripts” on their sexual functioning. The exploration process and the resulting family journey, which includes specific sexual material, offers an opportunity for major change to occur. Technique for this method is discussed, along with relevant case illustrations. The integration of family therapy theories and techniques, with those of sex therapy, provides increased richness to both therapies.
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKENDS: COUPLES WHO WIN AND COUPLES WHO LOSE
Authors: Doherty William J. , Lester Mary Ellen , Leigh Geoffrey
Published: June 2007

This study examined interview and essay data for 50 married couples who had the most positive or most negative reactions in a larger sample of participants in Marriage Encounter weekends. We were interested in describing the experiences of couples who years later believed they were strongly helped by the program or who believed their marriages deteriorated because of the program. Content analysis of interview transcripts and written essays indicated that 7 couples experienced highly positive changes apparently related to Marriage Encounter, and that 9 couples experienced significant negative changes apparently related to Marriage Encounter. The other 34 couples were equally divided between “somewhat positives” and “neutrals.” Retrospective analysis of the condition of marriages prior to the Marriage Encounter weekend revealed that both the highly positives and the negatives were likely to report grave marital distress prior to the weekend. Based on the findings reported here, the authors suggest that distressed couples who attend Marriage Encounter weekends are susceptible to serious further deterioration. The paper concludes with recommendations for clinicians in treating Marriage Encounter casualties, and for the Marriage Encounter organization in screening participants and modifying the program to diminish the likelihood of program‐induced deterioration.
THE USE OF INTERACTIVE VIDEO TO DEMONSTRATE DIFFERENTIAL APPROACHES TO MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY
Authors: Fine Marshall , McIntosh Donald K.
Published: June 2007

This article outlines the development of an interactive video system designed to demonstrate differential approaches to family therapy using identical therapy situations. The primary purpose of the project is to resolve some of the confusion many novice family therapists experience while being exposed to the numerous family therapy approaches. Technical aspects of the interactive video system are also outlined.
BONDS OR BARGAINS: RELATIONSHIP PARADIGMS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE FOR MARITAL THERAPY
Authors: Johnson Sue
Published: June 2007

Contrasting conceptual paradigms describing the nature of intimate relationships are discussed. In particular, relationships may be viewed in terms of a rational bargain or as an emotional bond. The implications of each paradigm for the process of marital therapy are delineated, and the role of bonding and attachment in adult intimacy is considered. Some general conclusions are then drawn as to future directions for the marital therapy field.
ASSERTION AND FAMILY VIOLENCE: CORRELATES OF SPOUSE ABUSE
Authors: O'Leary K. Daniel , Curley Alison D.
Published: June 2007

Abusive couples, discordant couples, and satisfactorily married couples were compared on self‐report measures of general assertion, spouse‐specific assertion, spouse‐specific aggression, and spousal physical aggression in their families of origin. Men and women in abusive relationships as well as those in discordant, but non‐abusive, relationships have lower levels of spouse‐specific assertion than satisfactorily married couples. However, men and women in abusive relationships did not differ from discordant, non‐abusive men and women, on these measures. In brief, low levels of spouse‐specific assertion are characteristic of discordant couples whether they are abusive or not. However, as in our past research, spousal violence in the family of origin was a critical distinguishing factor of physically abusive men versus discordant, but non‐abusive, men. Also, as in ourpast research, violence in the family of origin was not a critical distinguishing characteristic of women in abusive relationships.
NONVERBAL RECIPROCITY IN NONDISTRESSED MARITAL PARTNERS: AN EXAMINATION OF BASE RATE CHANGE*
Authors: Griffin William , Crane D. Russell
Published: June 2007

The present study sought to incorporate recent suggestions for reciprocity research into an experimental design which could use behavioral base rate change as a method for determining nonverbal reciprocity in nondistressed couples. This study examined reciprocity by surreptitiously manipulating the touching behavior of one spouse, and monitoring responses of the other spouse. Forty couples were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. Couples were videotaped engaging in an assigned task which permitted interaction. During the interaction, positive touches, smiles, and headnods were monitored. Following instruction to do so, selected spouses in the experimental group increased their rate of touches. Results indicated that, in response, naive spouses subsequently increased their rate of touches. The results of this experiment provide supportive evidence for the lawful nature of reciprocity. The implications of these findings, and suggestions for subsequent reciprocity research, are forwarded.
WHAT FAMILY THERAPISTS MIGHT LEARN FROM CHILD PSYCHIATRY
Authors: Grunebaum Henry , Belfer Myron L.
Published: June 2007

Recent articles in child psychiatry in America are reviewed, with emphasis on those studies ofinterest to family therapists. Major areas covered include: normal development, deviant development, and the impact of trauma. Differences from the “family therapy” literature include: multi‐causal explanations, respect for scientific studies, reviews of progress in knowledge, and a deep‐rooted ethical commitment to the welfare of children.
The Evolution Of Circular Questions: Training Family Therapists
Authors: Fleuridas Colette , Nelson Thorana S. , Rosenthal David M.
Published: June 2007

This article describes a procedure for training family therapists in the clinical application of circular questioning as developed and implemented at the Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic at the University of Iowa. A pragmatic taxonomy of circular questions is presented; instructional handouts designed to facilitate the use of these questions within the trainee's initial interviews are included.
“EPISTEMOLOGY” AS A SEMANTIC POLLUTANT
Authors: Bogdan Jeffrey
Published: June 2007

Some family therapists, following Bateson, use “epistemology” in a peculiar, non‐traditional way. Nothing is gained, and much appears to be lost, by this practice. Its main effect is to promote the idea that systemic and psychological modes of explanation are incompatible. In fact, a kind of cognitive psychology is implicit in what family therapists say about reframing. By appropriating the territory of psychology and calling it epistemology instead, family therapists merely pollute the semantic environment,1 muddying the very things that theoretical terms are supposed to clear up.
COMPLEMENTARITY AS A FUNCTION OF STAGE IN THERAPY: AN ANALYSIS OF MINUCHIN'S STRUCTURAL FAMILY THERAPY
Authors: Laird Heather , Kemp Hendrika Vande
Published: June 2007

The level of family therapist complementarity in the early, middle and late stages of therapy was explored. A micro‐analysis of Salvador Minuchin with one family in successful therapy was conducted using the Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (Benjamin, 1974). Interactions from videotapes representing the three stages were coded. An ANOVA was used to compare sequences that occurred at least 5 times within any given stage. Level of therapist complementarity was significantly greater in the early and late stages than in the middle stage. Furthermore, level of therapist complementarity was significantly correlated with client change. Further research is needed to explore whether these findings can be generalized to other therapists and families.
THE NEW EPISTEMOLOGY AND THE MILAN APPROACH: FEMINIST AND SOCIOPOLITICAL CONSDDERATIONS*
Authors: MacKinnon Laurie Katherine , Miller Dusty
Published: June 2007

While the new epistemology and related models of therapy are claimed to have radical social implications, the Milan approach is in ill repute amongst feminists who see it as conservative in relation to women's issues. This paper explores the sociopolitical implications of the new epistemology and the Milan approach, concluding that, while second order cybernetics has greater potential to incorporate a radical social analysis, it has, nevertheless, failed to do so. The application of second order cybernetics in family therapy appears to be constrained by the sociopolitical conservatism of its proponents.
THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS IN LIFE‐THREATENING SITUATIONS*
Authors: Bobele Monte
Published: June 2007

Therapists who encounter life‐threatening behavior in their clinical practice are at risk in providing interventions which do not take into account the systemic effects of their interventions. Specifically, therapists are likely to engage in “more of the same” behavior with clients who present with suicidal or homicidal threats. This paper presents two case studies that employed therapeutic methods derived from the systemic therapy of the Palo Alto group. In these case studies, the author illustrates the importance of the therapist's ability to speak the client's language in formulating an intervention that has the potential for reducing the likelihood of actual violence. The first case illustrates the use of the client's world view about her situation to assist her in dealing with domestic violence. The second case presented describes the use of systemic interventions in the case of a young woman known to have made homicidal threats. The author discusses the appropriateness, as well as the ethical issues, of the techniques described. Also offered, is a discussion clarifying the theoretical underpinnings of the clinical work presented and an amplification of some of the ideas originally presented by the Palo Alto group.
MARITAL RELATIONSHIPS OF ALCOHOLIC, CONFLICTED, AND NONCONFLICTED COUPLES*
Authors: O'Farrell Timothy J. , Birchlery Gary R.
Published: June 2007

Twenty‐six couples with alcoholic husbands, and 26 maritally conflicted and 26 nonconflicted couples without alcohol problems were compared. As predicted, the alcoholic and maritally conflicted couples did not differ, and both groups of problem couples showed greater relationship distress than nonconflicted couples on measures of marital stability, change desired, and positive communication behaviors. Contrary to predictions, alcoholic couples were not unique with respect to struggles for control, a pattern of wife dominance, a responsibility‐avoiding style of communication by the alcoholic husband, or impaired perceptual accuracy. Unexpectedly, alcoholic husbands reported less marital unhappiness than both their wives and maritally conflicted husbands on most of the self‐report marital satisfaction measures.
EXPOSURE TO MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY IN MEDICAL SCHOOL: A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Saunders Benjamin E. , Roberts John M. , Santos Alberto B.
Published: June 2007

Most marital and family therapists, both medically and nonmedically trained, regularly interact with physicians on a professional basis. Though some physicians receive specific training in marital and family therapy in their postgraduate residency programs, (notably those in psychiatry and family medicine), for many, the only academic exposure they receive to this field comes during a 6‐ to 10‐week clinical clerkship in psychiatry during their third or fourth year of medical school. No study could be located which examined marital and family therapy training in undergraduate medical education. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the level of marital and family therapy training in medical school and to provide information concerning physicians who are not family therapists, and how much knowledge about the field they can be expected to have.
BIOLOGICALLY BASED DEFICIT IN THE IDENTIFIED PATIENT: INDICATIONS FOR PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL STRATEGIES
Authors: Johnson Harriette C.
Published: June 2007

The phrase “identified patient” has attracted a wide following among family therapists representing a variety of approaches to family therapy. It is based on the assumption that persons referred for psychotherapeutic treatment are often incorrectly labeled “patients” when, in fact, their symptoms are manifestations of family, not individual, dysfunction or pathology. It is the thesis of this article that when biologically based deficits in the identified patient are a salient determinant of interpersonal dysfunction, such reframing is inappropriate. Psycho‐educational strategies for treating families of persons with such physically based conditions as learning disability, attention deficit disorder, epilepsy, autism, and various medical illnesses and handicaps, are recommended.
A TEST OF THE CURVILINEAR HYPOTHESIS WITH FACES II AND III
Authors: Pratt David M. , Hansen James C.
Published: June 2007

Previous research has not supported the validity of Olson's “curvilinear hypothesis.” Convergent validity studies of the FACES I and II have indicated that the “cohesion” and “adaptability” dimensions have a linear relation with healthy family functioning. It is not clear, however, whether these findings are due to the measurement of the FACES' constructs or to the curvilinear theory. This study tested the “curvilinear hypothesis” in terms of these theoretical and measurement issues. The results indicate that FACES II and III do not adequately operation‐alize the “curvilinear hyothesis.” However, an item consistent with the “curvilinear hypothesis” utilizing a bipolar item response format did adequately opera‐tionalize the theory. The use of a bipolar item response format is suggested in the measurement of “cohesion” and “adaptability.”
THE “PSYCHOSOMATIC FAMILY” RECONSIDERED: DIABETES IN CONTEXT–A REPLY
Authors: Rosman Bernice L. , Baker Lester
Published: June 2007

Minuchin, Rosman and Baker's (1978) Psychosomatic Families: Anorexia Nervosa in Context, is a work that does demonstrate that physiological disturbance of some, very specifically defined, diabetic patients serves a function in their families. Statistical analyses of the original data are reported which strongly support the original conclusions; Coyne and Anderson's (1988) presentation of the methodology and findings of the original study is shown to substantially misrepresent information actually presented in the book. Review of the literature they cite was informative about some aspects of poorly controlled diabetes for a variety of populations but not relevant for psychosomatic patients; however, some of it supported our findings. Responsibility for “constraining” and/or “providing momentum” for the field is rejected and precise and rigorous thinking encouraged in developing both studies and critiques.
BUILDING ON FAMILY STRENGTH: A STUDY OF FAMILIES WITH POSITIVE ADJUSTMENT TO THE BIRTH OF A DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILD*
Authors: Trute Barry , Hauch Christopher
Published: June 2007

This research was based on the assumption that much could be learned from families that had adapted well to the birth of a child with developmental disabilities. It was of interest to explore what made these families strong and if consistent patterns of coping and adjustment could be observed. Positive adaptation seemed unrelated to degree of the child's disability or level of soothability, and further, did not seem directly linked to family income level. However, it appeared that two‐parent families with few children were at a distinct advantage. Positive family adaptation appeared to be tied to functioning of the parental subsystem and the skillful utilization by parents of family and friendship network resources.
AGAINST THE GRAIN: DECENTERING FAMILY THERAPY
Authors: Erickson Gerald D.
Published: June 2007

This paper is an interpretive polemic. It has two aims: (a) to clarify the concept of “system” as it is employed in family therapy, and, by doing so, to undermine and call into question the practice that follows from, or is contained within, a systemic perspective,1 (b) it will offer several suggestions towards the development of an alternative perspective which preserves the idea of system in a social network/diachronic framework. With respect to the first aim, an argument will be made that there are severe and insurmountable problems in attempting to maintain a systemic perspective, that the methodology of analysis is fatally flawed, and that the results of analysis imprisons the therapist in a framework, which though extremely powerful interpersonally, must be rejected as overly authoritarian and overly restrictive in the range of perceptions of social situations allowed. A position will be adopted advocating a move of decentering family therapy to a more peripheral space within a social network perspective. What immediately follows is a redefinition and repunctuation of what can only be considered as a highly problematic paradigm.
TOWARD CONSTRUCTING THE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEM*
Authors: Andolfi Maurizio , Angelo Claudio
Published: June 2007

The authors revise some of the concepts presented in their previous publications (Andolfi & Angelo, 1981; Andolfi, Nicolò‐Corigliano & Menghi, 1983) and develop them further in light of their recent clinical experience. They emphasize that the therapist is not an outside neutral observer, but an active participant in the construction of the therapeutic system. The therapist can, at different times, be caring, detached, supportive, or provocative. In the fantasy of his clients he is a person who knows how to enter into a relationship and how to move out. By entering as the third pole in various triangles and activating new dimensions of rapport, he constructs complex relationships within the evolving therapeutic process. The authors also reevaluate the importance of the individual in the family as an agent of change and as a mediator of triangular relational messages.
ACCREDITATION: WHAT CONSTITUTES APPROPRIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY EDUCATION?*
Authors: Keller James F. , Huber James R. , Hardy Kenneth V.
Published: June 2007

This study compared the mail questionnaire responses of 132 training directors and 79 clinical members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). The findings about preferred criteria for accreditation, training requirements, and attitudes toward major professional issues suggested several key differences between training directors and clinical members, as well as important similarities. These divergent and convergent trends are described and discussed.
IMPASSE AND CHANGE: A SYSTEMIC/STRATEGIC VIEW OF THE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEM*
Authors: Green Robert‐Jay
Published: June 2007

This paper examines how clients and therapists, together, create impasses or change. First, the general concept of a “therapeutic system” (therapist‐plus‐client) is briefly reviewed. Second, a model is described that synthesizes systemic and strategic ideas about therapeutic systems. Third, a series of questions based on this model is proposed for analyzing and resolving impasses. Finally, application of this framework is illustrated with a case.
ACCESSING TRANSGENERATIONAL THEMES THROUGH DREAMWORK
Authors: Andrews Jennifer , Clark David J. , Zinker Joseph C.
Published: June 2007

This paper proposes the use of “dreamwork” to evoke historical patterns or transgenerational themes. A new variant of dreamwork is described. This work is systemic as well as symbolic, combining aspects of both Gestalt and Family System therapies. Two examples present this experiential exploration of recursive historical themes. The integration of these approaches is demonstrated. Implications of this therapeutic dramatization for couple therapy are suggested.
Combining Individual Psychodynamics With Structural Family Therapy
Authors: Melito Richard
Published: June 2007

This paper presents an integrative framework for combining some central aspects of individual psychodynamics with structural family therapy in a meaningful way. The framework derives from a developmental perspective; it relies on the concept of integrative levels of organization and on the goals of therapy as viewed from a developmental perspective. A case example is also presented that exemplifies a combined approach and demonstrates its utility.
WHAT'S HAPPENED TO FAMILY INTERACTION RESEARCH? AN HISTORICAL ACCOUNT AND A FAMILY SYSTEMS VIEWPOINT
Authors: Eisler Ivan , Dare Christopher , Szmukler George I.
Published: June 2007

The origins and evolution of family interaction research are outlined in order to examine the apparent lag in the field after the initial hopes and enthusiasms of the 1960s. It is argued that family interaction research naturally drew upon the methodology of social psychology and that there was an insufficient integration of the implications of the clinical viewpoint of family systems theory into research procedure. A discussion is presented of some central concepts in scientific psychology, drawing conclusions as to how they can be broadened for the special field of family research. An experimental method for evaluating the public verifiability of complex clinical notions is described, and a number of recent investigations are scrutinized in the light of our critique. It is concluded that there are grounds for being optimistic that the gap between clinical and research thinking can be bridged, making the assessment and refinement of abstract and intricate concepts discovered in clinical procedures accessible to scientific experimentation.
THE VALIDITY AND USE OF THE FAMILY‐OF‐ORIGIN SCALE
Authors: Lee Robert E. , Gordon Norman G. , O'Dell Jerry W.
Published: June 2007

This study explores the Family‐of‐Origin Scale (FOS) with regard to its validity and potential use. Subjects included 100 adults currently in psychotherapy, 100 who were not, 32 who previously had sought treatment, and 41 college students. Between‐group comparisons, correlations with both the 16PF and a scale of authoritarianism, factor analyses of both the patient and nonpatient FOS responses, and a review of patient feedback revealed several significant results. The FOS differentiates between patients and nonpatients, but it measures only one general factor and delivers little information. Therefore, it has little value as a research instrument, but it may be a useful adjunct to psychotherapy in individual cases.
RETHINKING WHAT IT MEANS TO SPECIALIZE IN MFT AT THE MASTER'S LEVEL
Authors: Christensen Dana , Brown Joe H. , Rickert Vern , Turner John
Published: June 2007

There has been an increase in specialization programs that offer an introduction to marital and family therapy at the master's level. These programs are often referred to as major, minor, track, sequence, or area of emphasis. They typically consist of one or two theory/overview courses housed within a traditional counseling/therapy department. This paper discusses some of the problems with this model and then offers an alternative that attempts to improve conceptual integration and skill development. The alternative model discussed is an interdisciplinary three‐course sequence in family assessment concepts and skills. Course descriptions and objectives are provided and discussed.
THE EFFECT OF LONG‐TERM OUTCOME STUDIES ON THE THERAPY OF SCHIZOPHRENIA
Authors: Haley Jay
Published: June 2007

According to long‐term follow‐up studies of people diagnosed schizophrenic, one half to two thirds will become normal and be back in the community after a period of years. With evidence that schizophrenia is reversible, professions involved in social control and those doing therapy face new responsibilities. Therapists can approach psychotic symptoms expecting the person to become normal. The goal is to help people past periods of acute disturbance without doing them long‐term harm.
THE “PSYCHOSOMATIC FAMILY” RECONSIDERED II: RECALLING A DEFECTIVE MODEL AND LOOKING AHEAD
Authors: Coyne James C. , Anderson Barbara J.
Published: June 2007

The notion of the “psychosomatic” family continues to enjoy uncritical acceptance in the absence of promised data and despite its dependence on an outmoded view of how psychosocial factors are involved in illness. We review the decline of psychosomatic models of illness that assume that arousal is the only or primary means by which psychosocial factors influence illness. Focusing on brittle diabetes, we note the potential for family theorists to develop more adequate models of poor self‐care and medical crises as interactional tactics, as dynamic efforts to solve problems, define relationships, and influence others, even if they are costly and self‐defeating. In an appendix, we note the inadequacy of Rosman and Baker's (1988) reanalyses of the Minuchin, Rosman and Baker (1978) data.
“LEARNING TO LEARN“ AND THE FAMILY SYSTEM: NEW PERSPECTIVES ON UNDERACHIEVEMENT AND LEARNING DISORDERS
Authors: Green Robert‐Jay
Published: June 2007

A new frontier for family therapy is emerging from recent studies of under‐achievement in school, learning disabilities and parental communication. Although poor school performance is frequently the presenting problem (or an associated symptom) in family therapy, this topic still lacks a coherent conceptual framework. An ecological model is proposed for understanding child and adolescent achievement problems. Four dimensions of a family's learning environment are suggested as foci: (a) family communication deviances; (b) family structure; (c) family attributions; and (d) family achievement values. The metaphor of the family as “primary classroom” is offered as a way to think about learning styles across home and school contexts, and some treatment guidelines are suggested.
CLINICAL FAMILY ASSESSMENT: APPLYING STRUCTURED MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES IN TREATMENT SETTINGS*
Authors: Floyd Frank J. , Weinand Jon W. , Cimmarusti Rocco A.
Published: June 2007

This article describes the use of a battery of structured family measurement procedures to conduct systematic, comprehensive assessments of families who enter treatment. The measures are derived from family research and include self‐report questionnaires and structured observation of family interactions. The assessment is multimodal, and examines the entire family unit, the marital subsystem, the individual family members, and the larger social context affecting a family. Two case examples are presented which demonstrate how the structured assessment data are combined with clinical theory and other information about a family to generate initial hypotheses about the functioning of the family system and likely avenues for therapeutic intervention.
BASIC FAMILY THERAPY SKILLS, I: CONCEPTUALIZATION AND INITIAL FINDINGS
Authors: Figley Charles E. , Nelson Thorana S.
Published: June 2007

This is the first report on a program of research designed to identify the most important characteristics of the beginning marriage and family therapist. The paper first surveys the literature in family therapy, social work, and psychology and finds that, although these factors are discussed for beginning psychotherapists, no set of skills are derived empirically. This study recruited all available members of the American Family Therapy Association (AFTA) and Approved Supervisors of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) who were experienced educators and trainers of family therapists. After nominating the most important generic‐type characteristics for beginning family therapists, the participants rated the items, yielding a list of not only the most important skills, but also personal traits of beginners based on mean scores of the ratings. The final section of the paper discusses the implications of these findings and notes the current and future activities of the research program.
DSM‐III‐R AND THE FAMILY THERAPIST: ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Authors: Denton Wayne H.
Published: June 2007

DSM‐III‐R has gained popularity in many segments of the mental health field. Family therapists have generally not found its approach to assessing problems to be helpful in the planning of therapy, yet, are often forced to use it due to the requirements of third‐party payers. This raises several ethical and practical concerns, e.g., the incompatibility of orientations between DSM‐III‐R and family therapy, the stigma associated with diagnosing, being asked to misrepresent diagnoses to third‐party payers, and the competency of some family therapists to make DSM‐III‐R diagnoses. Short‐ and long‐term strategies to deal with these ethical dilemmas are also presented.
INTRODUCING CAUSALITY AND POWER INTO FAMILY THERAPY THEORY: A CORRECTION TO THE SYSTEMIC PARADIGM
Authors: Fish Vincent
Published: June 2007

This paper proposes that concepts of causality and power are compatible with a systemic paradigm based on the cybernetics of Ashby, rather than that of Bateson. The repudiation of causality and power by Bateson and his adherents is criticized; the related Batesonian biases against “quantity” and “logic” are also addressed. Batesonian arguments against causality are examined in reference to philosophical theories of causation. Relevant aspects of Ashby's cybernetic theory are contrasted with the Batesonian position. Some implications of a systemic paradigm which incorporates concepts of causality and power are drawn.
THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG SELECTED SUPERVISOR, THERAPSIT, AND CLIENT BEHAVIORS*
Authors: Frankel Barabara R. , Piercy Fred P.
Published: June 2007

This study examined the extent to which supervisory phone‐ins were related to change in both immediate therapist behaviors and subsequent change in resistant behaviors of client family members. Of specific interest was whether the congruence of supervisor and therapist behaviors (referred to as isomorphism by some family therapy authors) would be related to immediate change in client resistance. The quality of supervisor's Support and Teach behaviors was foundj to be significantly related to the change in the quality of the threrapists' Support and Teach behaviors. Moreover, in instances where both supervisors and their supervises demonstrated effective Support and Teach behaviors, clients generally tended to either remain cooperative or become cooperative more frequently than when both effective supervisor and supervisee behaviors where not present.
FURTHER VALIDATION OF THE FAMILY OF ORIGIN SCALE: A FACTOR ANALYSIS*
Authors: Mazer Gilbert E. , Mangrum Omar L. , Hovestadt Alan J. , Brashear Robert L.
Published: June 2007

The present study attempted to describe the factor structure of the Family of Origin Scale (FOS) and to determine if this structure is congruent with that proposed by the test authors. The study also sought to evaluate the research merit of the FOS. Two factor analyses based upon college student responses to the FOS yielded similar factor structure and identified a salient factor which is common to other factor analyses of scales measuring perceived family environments. Discrimination studies suggest that the FOS differentiates between college students and other distinctive groups. It was concluded that, although the FOS measures dimensions that differ somewhat from those hypothesized by the test authors, it has potential valve in applied research.
AAMFT ETHICAL CODE: “DUAL RELATIONSHIPS”
Authors: Ryder Robert , Hepworth Jeri
Published: June 2007

The current American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Code of Ethical Principles prohibits an apparently wide, but vaguely defined, range of nonsexual, and presumably nonromantic dual relationships between therapists and clients, supervisers, employees and students. We suggest that this extension of the dual relationship prohibition is undesirable, for a variety of reasons. The most important of these is that attempting to make relationships simple by legislation, rather than dealing with inevitable complexity, prepares students poorly for the work they must do. Instead, we propose that training and supervision include serious emphasis on relationship complexity, and issues of exploitation and power, within the therapy relationship and within the training program or supervision itself.
RESOLVING ETHICAL CONCERNS IN CLINICAL PRACTIVE: TOWARD A PRAGMATIC MODEL*
Authors: Woody Jane Divita
Published: June 2007

A pragmatic model is proposed for use in resolving ethical concerns and dilemmas in clinical practice. It encompasses five decision bases that therapists may draw on for the kind of comprehensive analysis that is necessary for reaching a defensible decision. The decision bases are: (a) theories of ethics; (b) professional codes of ethics; (c) professional theoretical premises; (d) the sociologal context; and (e) the personal/professional identity. The model is applied to five actual cases offered by several therapist who experienced ethical concerns with them. The case analyses demonstrate the model's utility for decision making and for prevention of ethical problems.
ECLECTIC STRATEGIC PRACTICE: A PROCESS CONSTRUCTIVE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Duncan Barry L. , Parks M. Bernadine , Rusk Gregory S.
Published: June 2007

The development of an integrative individual and family therapy approach has been hampered by fundamental differences in philosophy and theoretical conceptualization among approaches. Given these largely irreconcilable differences systemic framework for a technical eclecticism may represent a logical step toward a more flexible consideration of both individual and family approaches. This article will describe an extension of the strategic therapy model that enables and encourages the selective application of content and techniques from individual and family approaches. Three case examples will illustrate a process‐oriented, constructivist rationale for eclectic strategic practice as well as a more collaborative and relationship‐oriented perspective of strategic therapy.
THE USE OF A BIPOLAR ITEM FORMAT FOR FACES III: A RECONSIDERATION
Authors: Perosa Linda M. , Perosa Sandra L.
Published: June 2007

FACES III, and cohesion, independence, and conflict scales form the Family Assessment Device, the Family Environment Scale and the Structural Family Interaction Scale‐Revised were administered to 183 high school seniors and college freshmen. The results of polynomial regression analysis indicate FACES III is a linear measure of cohesion and adaptability. MANOVA findings are used to re‐examine the suggestion that a bipolar item format is the only, or best, solution for turnig FACES III into a curvilinear measure of the Circumplex Model.
BASIC FAMILY THERAPY SKILLS, II: STRUCTURAL FAMILY THERAPY1
Authors: Figley Charles R. , Nelson Thorana S.
Published: June 2007

The Basic Family Therapy Skills Project has yielded empirically derived skills important for beginning family therapists. This article reports the results of ratings from the 103‐member panel of experts who practice and teach Structural Family Therapy. A total of 100 competencies of Structural Family Therapy were rated in terms of importance on a 5‐point Likert scale by the panel. Panelists were also given alternative responses such as “appropriate as a generic skill,”“inappropriate for beginning therapists,” and “don't understand what this means.” Rationale for the approach and results are discussed in terms of the importance of empirically based competencies for the practice of Structural Family Therapy.
OUTCOME RESEARCH ON FAMILY THERAPY TRAINING: A SUBSTANTIVE AND METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW2
Authors: Avis Judith Myers , Sprenkle Douglas H.
Published: June 2007

This article examines developments in empirical research in family therapy training since Kniskern and Gurman's (1979) review. It assesses present knowledge concerning training outcomes in marital and family therapy, evaluates research methodologies, and makes recommendations for future rearch.
SUPERVISION IN FAMILY THERAPY: A DECADE RESTUDY*1
Authors: Nichols William C. , Nichols David P. , Hardy Kenneth V.
Published: June 2007

This paper reports on a 10‐year replication of Everett's (1980) survey of Approved Supervisors of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Significant differences were found between today's supervisors and supervision, including an increase in female supervisors, a shift toward a systemic theoretical orientation, greater concentration of supervisors in formal training settings, a great increase in the use of video recordings, a decline in the popularity of personal psychotherapy as part of training, a greater inclination of supervisors to identify themselves as Marital and Family Therapists (MFTs) regardless of original education, and others. The Approved Supervisor system appears to be fulfilling AAMFT organizational goals; other results will be reported elsewhere.