bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EFFICACY OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY: AN EMPIRICAL OVERVIEW, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Authors: Pinsof William M. , Wynne Lyman C.
Published: June 2007

Based primarily on the contributions to this Special Issue of JMFT, this article provides an overview of the empirical research on the efficacy of marital and family therapy for the following disorders and problems: schizophrenia; affective (mood) disorders; slected externalizing, internalizing, and pervasive developmental disorders of childhood; adolescent conduct disorder; marital distress and the prevention of divorce; alcoholism; adult and adolescent drug abuse; and various chronic adult, adolescent, and childhood physical disorders. Convincing scientific evidence supports the efficacy of broadly defined marital and family therapy for the treatment of many disorders, as well as its superiority to standard and individual treatments for certain disorders and populations. We conclude with recommendations for future research as well as for collaborative initiatives between marital/family therapists and other professionals working in the marriage and family field.
PREDICTING MARITAL SUCCESS FOR PREMARITAL COUPLE TYPES BASED ON PREPARE
Authors: Fowers Blaine J. , Montel Kelly H. , Olson David H.
Published: June 2007

Recent studies have shown that group differences in marital stability and satisfaction can be predicted based on premarital relationship quality. There is also a growing literature indicating that there are distinct types of relationships, both premaritally and developmentally over time. This study examined the relationship between the four premarital types (Vitalized, Harmonious, Traditional, and Conflicted) identified by Fowers and Olson (1992) and relationship outcome over a 3‐year period with 393 couples. A substantial relationship was found, with conflicted couples being the most likely to separate or divorce. Vitalized couples had the highest levels of satisfaction, followed by Harmonious, Traditional, and Conflicted couples. Traditional couples were less likely to have divorced than Harmonious couples, even though Harmonious couples had higher premarital relationship satisfaction scores.
AGING AND FAMILY THERAPY: PREVALENCE OF AGING ISSUES AND LATER FAMILY LIFE CONCERNS IN MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY LITERATURE (1986‐1993)
Authors: Van Amburg Suzanne M. , Barber Clifton E. , Zimmerman Toni S.
Published: June 2007

To what extent are gerontological issues addressed in the marital and family literature? In answering this question, the authors conducted a content analysis of 873 articles published in the Journal of Marital Family Therapy, Family Process, Family Systems Medicine, and the Journal of Family Psychology during an 8‐year period beginning in 1986. Only 3.2% (n = 28) of these articles contained explicit emphasis on aging issues and later life family concerns. Furthermore, there was no significant trend in the number of gerontologically focused articles published during this period. The paper describes the content of the 28 aging‐focused articles, including the types of presenting problems mentioned, the relational contexts of these problems, and the types of family therapy theories represented. Included in the content analysis were the proceedings of the annual national conferences of the American Association of Marital and Family Therapy from 1986 to 1993. Only 2.3% (n = 37) of the regular conference sessions had an explicit aging focus, as did 1 of the 29 plenary sessions and 1 of the 40 Master Series® sessions. Used as a gauge of gerontological interest and awareness of late life issues, the implication of these findings is that the family therapy community is still engaged in “comming of age.”
A REFLECTING TEAM APPROACH TO FAMILY THERAPY: A DELPHI STUDY
Authors: Jenkins David
Published: June 2007

Due to different conceptualizations and unclear theoretical guidelines, a reflecting team approach to family therapy has lacked conceptual and practical clarity. The purpose of this exploratory study was to outline the theory and practice of a reflecting team approach to family therapy. A Delphi technique was employed for panelists to consider the theoretical assumptions, techniques, how change occurs, major goals, when to use, and contraindications of a reflecting team approach. Analysis of data revealed where consensus was reached and a profile was formed to aid in further clarifying this approach.
SEXISM IN FAMILY THERAPY: DOES TRAINING IN GENDER MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Authors: Leslie Leigh A. , Clossick Michelle L.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical decision making of marriage and family therapists who had no training in gender compared to those who had such training, either through a separate course or by having gender issues integrated throughout the curriculum. Specifically, levels of feminism and sexism in the clinical assumptions and interventions of therapists were evaluated using clinical vignettes. Participants for this study included 150 beginning or entry‐level therapists from marriage and family therapy training programs in academic settings. Of the 102 participants with some training in gender isues, 64% reported having received gender training from a faeminist perspective. contrary to expectations, a multivariate analyssis of variance revealed that training in gender issues alone did not significantly influence levels of feminism and sexism in clinical decision making. However, the levels of sexism in clinical interventions were significantly lower if therapists had received gender coursework from a feminist perspective, whether in a separate course or integrated throughout the curriculuim. These findings raise a question as to the wtility of teaching gender issues if what is taught and how it is taught are not also considered.
AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF CLIENT AND THERAPIST PERCEPTIONS OF THERAPY EFFECTIVENESS IN A UNIVERSITY‐BASED TRAINING CLINIC
Authors: Sells Scott P. , Smith Thomas Edward , Moon Sidney
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to explor client and therapist evaluations of direct practice in a university‐based training center using an ethnographic research methodology. Client and therapist perceptions about the strengths and limitations of ethnographic practice evaluation were also analyzed. A domain analysis was performed on postsession interviews with both clients and practitioners over a 4‐ month period. Six core categories of client and therapist perceptions of therapy effectiveness emerged from a domain analysis: (a) changes associated with counseling, (b) important practitioner qualities, (c) effective interventions or techniques, (d) ineffective interventions or techniques, (e) recommendations for future sessions, and (f) strengths and limitations of ethnographic practice evaluation. Implications of this study for clinical practice, training, and future research are discussed.
THERAPIST‐CONDUCTED CONSULTATION: USING CLIENTS AS CONSULTANTS TO THEIR OWN THERAPY
Authors: Bischoff Richard J. , McKeel A. Jay , Moon Sidney M. , Sprenkle Douglas H.
Published: June 2007

Using qualitative research methodology, the authors developed an in‐session therapeutic procedure called the therapist‐conducted consultation (TCC) which is designed to enhance the therapist‐client collaborative relationship. In the TCC, the therapist and client(s) relinquish their traditional roles and discuss the client's treatment. During this process, clients are invited to (a) share their perspective of treatment, (b) assess whether treatment is meeting their goals, and (c) suggest how treatment could change to improve their experience. The three‐stage model of the TCC that resulted from the research is presented with a case example.
NURTURANCE: A NEGLECTED DIMENSION IN FAMILY THERAPY WITH ADOLESCENTS*
Authors: Mackey Susan K.
Published: June 2007

This paper offers a model for integrating a nurturance framework into family therapy approaches with adolescents. This approach is seen as adding an important but neglected dimension to commonly used approaches, thus increasing both flexibility in treatment and the likelihood of a positive outcome. Steps to an effective treatment approach are outlined and guidelines offered for both in‐session work and out‐of‐session tasks.
THE NATIONAL MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY EXAMINATION PROGRAM
Authors: Lee Robert E. , Sturkie Kinly
Published: June 2007

Examinations constitute one of the principal methods by which professions assess minimal competence in aspiring practitioners. The Examination in Marital and Family Therapy is used by most states which regulate the profession. This article provides the rationale for the examination program, describes its development and maintenance, and presents the knowledge base it samples. Administrative policies and procedures are also discussed as an aid to prospective licensure and certification candidates.
POSITIVE PRACTICE IN FAMILY THERAPY
Authors: Carr Alan
Published: June 2007

Positive practice, a brief integative approach to consultation with families, is described in this paper. A clear distinction is made between the stages of planning, assessment, therapy, and disengagement. Guideliness for progression from one stage to the next are provided. Frameworks for deciding who to invite to preliminary sessions and methods for planning and organizing lines of inquiry are incorporated into this approach to practice. A three‐column model is used to construct formulations. The model allows therapists and clients to map information about the pattern of interaction around the presenting problem, beliefs that constrain family members from altering their roles in these problem‐maintaining patterns, and factors that have predisposed family members to hold these beliefs. Positive practice offers methods for evolving new behavioral patterns and belief systems within sessions and for arranging homework tasks for clients between sessions. It also incorporates methods for dealing with resistnace, for managing therapeutic crises, for convening indivudial sessions and borader network meetings, for disengaging from the consultation process, and for recontracting for further episodes of therapy. This evolving approach to practice draws on ideas from many traditions within the family therapy field and takes account of recent research relevent to the practice of family therapy.
THINKING ABOUT ROMANTIC/EROTIC LOVE
Authors: Grunebaum Henry
Published: June 2007

The implications for therapy of the salient characteristics of romantic/erotic love are discussed.

1. We do not have control over our feelings of romatic/erotic love.

2. These feelings occur relatively infrequently during most people's lives.

3. Being with a partner whom one loves is valued and regarded as a good; it sometimes conflicts with other values and goods. There are no clear criteria for resolving this conflict.

4. Love is regarded as one esential basis for marriage.

5. In addition to romantic/erotic love, other qualities and capacities are improtant in sustaining a long‐term relationship such as a marriage.
DIFFERENTIAL ASSESSMENT OF FINANCIAL AND RELATIONSHIP DISTRESS: IMPLICATIONS FOR COUPLES THERAPY
Authors: Aniol Julie C. , Synder Douglas K.
Published: June 2007

The study examined the role of financial conflicts, problem‐solving communication deficits, and global relationship distress among couples in marital therapy and couples seeking assistance at a nonprofit agency providing financial counseling services. Analyses comparing these two groups of couples with each other and with a third group of couples from the general community yielded a two‐component model for differential assessment and intervention with couples experiencing financial concerns. Differences in findings for husbands and wives provided additional implications for effective interventions with these couples.
SUBMISSION PATTERNS TO THE ARCHIVAL JOURNAL OF THE PROFESSION OF MFT
Authors: Sprenkle Douglas H. , Bailey C. Everett , Lyness Kevin P. , Ball Derek , Mills Steve
Published: June 2007

All submissions (n =650) to JMFT for five years (1990–95) were analyzed by gender, setting, and degree of the first author; the major category of submission (research, clinical, theory, and training) was examined from 1980–95 and over two editorships. More detailed descriptors of article content were also studied. The most striking finding was that submission patterns are almost the mirror opposite of the membership profile of AAMFT. The prototypical submitter to JMFT is a male PhD working in a university setting and submitting papers most likely to be classified as research, whereas the prototypical AAMFT member is female, has a master's degree, works in a clinical setting, and probably has interests more likely to be defined as clinical. We discuss the implications of these findings and make recommendations.
THE POLITICS OF GENDER IN FAMILY THERAPY
Authors: Knudson‐Martin Carmen
Published: June 2007

This article provides an overview of the political implications of various approaches to gender within the clinical literature. It emphasizes the process of the rapy within the social context of gender relations and identifies the politcal consequences of various clinical responses. Issues surrounding the appropriate role and stance of therapists relative to gender are identified, ethical issues such as neutrality and client welfare are re‐examined, and suggestions for practice are addressed.
CURRICULUM CHANGES TO MEET CHALLENGES: PREPARING MFT STUDENTS FOR MANAGED CARE SETTINGS
Authors: Patterson Jo Ellen , Baron Moises , McIntosh‐Koontz Leita , Bischoff Richard
Published: June 2007

Fledgling therapists who graduate from family therapy traning programs will have to navigate the world of managed care. In this article, faculty of University of San Diego share changes in its accredited training program that prepare students for practice in an increasingly multidisciplinary world where health maintenence organizations and other versions of managed care predominate. The paper touches on contextual issues, provides a detailed outline of coursework presenting basic knowledge and skills involved in clinical pracice in a managed care environment, and comments on clinical placements and the challenge of helping the next generation of clinicans “fit” into the future of health care delivery while maintaining their unique identity as family therapists.
BEYOND LAW AND ETHICS: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSE IN FAMILY LAW AND FAMILY THERAPY
Authors: Riley Patricia , Hartwell Steve , Sargent Geroge , Patterson Jo Ellen
Published: June 2007

The professions of family therapy and law share many clients and areas of overlap. Law‐related coursework in family therapy programs in typically limited to legal, ethical, and professional issues. However, students can also benefit from understanding other areas of overlap, such as divorce, child custody, and mediation. This article discusses the curriculum for an interdisciplinary course that educates both family therapy and law students. The course provides: (1) a substantive education about similarities and differences between the profession, how they operate as systems, and specific areas of overlap, (2) opportunities to learn clinical skills, and (3) opportunities for personal insight about skills, personality tyes, and negotiations, styles, and how these may differ between the professions.
A GENOGRAM WITH AN ATTITUDE
Authors: Halevy Julia
Published: June 2007

The approach described in this paper is predicated on the fundamental belief that in order to become competent and ethical practitioners, students must understand themselves and how they see others. They must be given tools and skills that facilitate examinations of their own assumptions and beliefs about themselves, other, and how the world works. It is also essential that students examine how these assumptions and beliefs will influence the way they choose to conduct therapy. Once they are aware of their biases, they must learn to choose to consciously influence themselves in a way that permits their clients the largest room for change within the clients' own contexts of belief, understanding, experience, and possibility. In this paper I describe the use of the genogram as a tool to facilitate the process of gaining self knowledge. This tool has been used in a multicultural counseling course, as well as in professional development workshops for psychologists, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists.
THERAPIST PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS: AN UNEXPLORED INFLUENCE ON CLIENT DISCLOSURE
Authors: Harris Steven M. , Busby Dean M.
Published: June 2007

Existing research indicates that clients perceive facially attractive therapists as more competent, trustworthy, genuine, and effective than less attractive therapists. No Studies exist to help explain how the therapist's attractiveness influences a client's self‐disclosure. Participants (n = 241) were randomly assigned to one of eight experimental groups to test the interaction of the therapist's attractiveness, client's gender, the nature of presenting problem, and the client's comfort with disclosing in a hypothetical couple therapy scenario. Analysis of variance procedures established that most participants reported feeling more comfortable disclosing a benign (communications) problem than a potentially embarrassing (sexual) problem, and more comfortable disclosing problem to an attractive than to a less attractive female therapist. Therapists are encouraged to understand the power attractiveness may have in their own and their client's lives
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: Freedman Jill
Published: June 2007

Book reviewed in this article:

Rugel, R. P. (1977). Husband‐ocused marital therapy: An approach to dealing with marital distress.

Selekman, Mathew D. (1997). Solution‐focused therapy with children: Harnessing family strengths for systemic Change.

Taibbi, R. (1996). Doing amily therapy: Crat and creativity in clinical practice.

Bagarozzi, D. A. (1996). The couple and family in managed care: Assessment, evaluation, and treatment.

Friedman, S. (Ed.). (1995). The reflecting team in action: Collaborative practice in amily therapy.
PERCEIVED EQUITY AND INTIMACY IN MARRIAGE
Authors: Larson Jeffry H. , Hammond Clark H. , Harper James M.
Published: June 2007

The extent to which perceived inequity is related to perceived marital intimacy was examined. Sixty‐six couples married five years or less were randomly selected from marriage license records in a western rural community. Equity/inequity was assessed using the Walster global measure of equity. Levels of overall intimacy, conflict resolution, affection, cohesion, sexuality, identity, compatibility, autonomy, and expressiveness were measured using the Waring Intimacy Questionnaire (WIQ). Inequity was associated with lower levels of overall intimacy, compatibility, identity, and expressiveness among the wives. Among the husbands, inequity was not associated with any types of intimacy. When comparing husbands in inequitable relationships to wivwes in inequitable relationships, the wives reported lower scores for only one kind intimacy‐identity. Explanations and implications for marriage therapy are discussed.
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: Freedman Jill
Published: June 2007

Book reviewed in this article:

Ambert, A‐M. (1997). Parents, children, and adolescents: Interactive relationships and developmental context.

Simon, L., & Drantell, J. J. (1998). A music I no longer heard: The early death of a parent.

Coale, Heen W. (1998). The vulnerable therapist: Practicing psychotherapy in an age of anxiety.

Friedman, Steven. (1997). Time‐effective psychotherapy: Maximizing outtcomes in an era of minimized resources.
COMMENTARY
Authors: Montalvo Braulio
Published: June 2007

The following commentaries were submitted by Lynn Hoffman and Braulio Montalvo in response to Marcelo Pakman's article, “Designing constructive therapies in community mental health: Poetics and micro‐politics in and beyond the consulting room,” which was published in the January 1999 issue of the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (Volume 25, Number 1, pp. 82–98).
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: Freedman Jill
Published: June 2007

Book reviewed in this article:

Falicov, C.J. (1998). Latino families in therapy: A guide to multicultural practice.

White, M. (1997). Narratives of therapist's lives.

Valenstein, E. S., (1998). Blaming the brain: The THRUTH about drugs and mental health.

Coll, C., Surrey, J., & Weingarten, K. (1998). Mothering against the odds.

DeJong, P., & Berg, I. K. (1998). Interviewing for solutions.

Brown, S., & Lewis, L. (1999). The alcoholic family in recovery: A developmental model.
HEALING BITTERSWEET LEGACIES: REVISITING CONTEXTUAL FAMILY THERAPY FOR GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN IN CRISIS
Authors: Brown‐Standridge Marcia D. , Floyd Caroline Walters
Published: June 2007

Over the past decade, grandparents have become primary caregivers for their grandchildren at an unprecedented rate. Drug/alcohol abuse, poor mental health, financial instability, chronic illness, and early death have left parents unavailable for childrearing, leaving their elder generation responsible for tending vulnerable children. While grandparents' resources have been overtaxed with this arrangement, family therapists have been caught off guard in adapting traditional family therapy methods to this population. This paper revisits Contexual Family Therapy for what it has to offer grandparents in crisis. The purpose is to restore appropriate “give and take” while compensating for a “skipped” parenting generation.
RELATIONSHIP STATISFACTION OF MEXICAN AMERICAN AND NON‐HISPANIC WHITE AMERICAN INTERETHNIC COUPLES: ISSUES OF ACCULTURATION AND CLINICAL INTERVENTION
Authors: Negy Charles , Snyder Douglas K.
Published: June 2007

Despite the increasing prevalence of interethnic marriages, remarkably little empirical literature exists for guiding clinical interventions offered to these couples. This study compared the marriages of 72 couples with one Mexican‐American partner and one non‐Hispanic White American partner, 75 Mexican‐American couples, and 66 non‐Hispanic White couples. Overall, the interethnic couples were more similar to non‐Hispanic White couples than they were to Mexican‐American couples across multiple domains, with the latter group indicating modestly higher levels of relationship distress. Among interethnic couples, Mexican‐American wives' level of acculturation related significantly to both their own marital‐ and parental‐role orientation and to distress in their relationships with children, as well as to their husbands' marital distress regarding child rearing and the couple's interactions regarding finances. Implications for clinical interventions with Mexican‐ and White‐American interethnic couples are discussed.
INTIMATE JUSTICE III: HEALING THE ANGUISH OF ABUSE AND EMBRACING THE ANGUISH OF ACCOUNTABILITY
Authors: Jory Brian , Anderson Debra
Published: June 2007

This article presents an exploratory approach to couples therapy for abuse based on intimate justice theory. The article explains “the accountability axiom,” which brings the relationship between the anguish of abuse and the anguish of accountability into focus. Understanding the accountability axiom can help therapists simultaneously engage both the victim of abuse and the abuser by creating two therapeutic environments in conjoint therapy—one environment that affirms the victim and one that challenges the abuser. The ideas are based on a qualitative study conducted by the authors, and the approach is illustrated with a clinical case involving psychological abuse.
LACK OF CONSENSUS INSUPERVISON
Authors: Ratliff Dan A. , Wampler Karen S. , Morris G. H.
Published: June 2007

This study describes what occurs when trainees and supervisors encounter a lack of consensus in supervison. We identified 120 episodes indicating a lack of consensus between a supervisor and a trainee during 23 hr of supervison. Qualitative analysis of teh episodes described 10 supervisor responses, characterized as influence and evaluation, and eight trainee responses, characterized as cooperation and deference. The pattern of supervisor‐trainee interaction wa characterized by negotation and collaboration. Supervisors and trainees collaborate to produce a presentation of the rtrainee as a competent clinician and a copperative trainee. Supervisors identify deficiencies and offer requests in a subtle manner that appears open to modification, this cooperating with the trainee's competent and cooperative image.
GENERATING STORIES OF RESILIENCE: HELPING GAY AND LESBIAN YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES
Authors: Sanders Gary L. , Kroll Ian T.
Published: June 2007

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth have often been forgotten in the provision of care to families. Not only are 10%–12% of all youth lesbian, gay, or bisexual, they all have families of origion and many also have “failies of choice” that are dramatically increasing the numbers of persons who are directly affected. These youth can suffer disqualification ranging from internalized poor esteem and suicidality to physical danger, often at the hands of those very persons who are expected to care for them—families, educators, and health care providers. This article examines both how homophobia and heterosexism are both manifest and recovered from using case examples and offering therapeutic suggestions to clinicians.
AAMFT MASTER SERIES TAPES: AN ANALYSIS OF THE INCLUSION OF FEMINIST PRINCIPLES INTO FAMILY THERAPY PRACTICE
Authors: Haddock Shelley A. , MacPhee David , Zimmerman Toni Schindler
Published: June 2007

Content analysis of 23 American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Master Series tapes was used to determine how well feminist behaviors have been incorporated into “ideal” family therapy practice. Feminist behaviors were infrequent, being evident in fewer than 3% of time blocks in event sampling and 10 of 39 feminist behaviors of the Feminist Family Therapist Behavior Checklist. These eminent therapists most often dealt with empowerment of male clients and management of power differentials in the therapeutic relationship in a relatively feminist manner, but they tended to hold women responsible for family issues, endorsed traditional rather than egalitarian relationships, and overlooked how the social context affects families. Several of the therapists were blatantly sexist in their treatment of female clients, communicating disrespect of and pathologizing them. The few tapes portraying effective incorporation of feminist principles in family therapy indicate that a handful of behaviors are key to this approach.
COMPARISONS OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, PSYCHIATRISTS, AND SOCIAL WORKERS ON JOB‐RELATED MEASURES AND REACTIONS TO MANAGED CARE IN IOWA
Authors: Trudeau Linda S. , Russell Daniel W. , de la Mora Arlene , Schmitz Mark F.
Published: June 2007

This study compares marriage and family therapists (MFTs) to psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers on job‐related measures, such as job autonomy, job satisfaction, burnout, and intention to stay in their present position, as well as on reactions to a managed care initiative in the state of Iowa. Findings indicate that MFTs scored significantly lower than other practitioners on job autonomy and intention to stay in their present position, but there were no differences in job satisfaction or burnout. Marital and family therapists also reported less dissatisfaction with the managed care initiative than psychiatrists, although virtually all practitioners were dissatisfied with the managed‐care program. These findings indicate some dissatisfaction within the MFT profession and may be relevant to practitioners seeking to change or expand their practice, as well as to the needs of MFTs in their training programs.
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: Harris Steven M.
Published: June 2007

Book Reviewed in this article:

Fanning, P., & McKay, M. (Eds.). Family guide to emotional wellness: Proven self‐help techniques and exercises for dealing with common problems and building crucial life skills.

Leiblum, S., & Rosen, R. (2000) (Eds.). Principles and practice of sex therapy (3rd ed.).

Sturkie, K., & Bergen, L.P. (2001). Professional regulation in marital and family therapy.

Kaslow, F. (Ed.). (2000). Handbook of couple and family forensics: A sourcebook for mental health and legal professionals.
RECONSTITUTING RACIAL HISTORIES AND IDENTITIES: THE NARRATIVES OF INTERRACIAL COUPLES
Authors: Killian Kyle D.
Published: June 2007

This study explores the process by which interracial spouses construct narratives about their racial histories, identities, and experiences in their relationship together. Ten black‐white couples were interviewed individually and conjointly. The results reflected interracial spouses' experience of their life together, their perception of others' perceptions of them, and their unique processes of negotiating racial, gender, and class differences. Black spouses, compared with white spouses, demonstrated a greater awareness of and sensitivity to social resistance to interracial couples, and black spouses' familial and personal histories were sometimes relegated to silence in the couple relationship. I discuss recommendations for marriage and family therapists working with interracial spouses.
DEVELOPING CULTURALLY COMPETENT MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS: GUIDELINES FOR WORKING WITH HISPANIC FAMILIES
Authors: Bean Roy A. , Perry Benjamin J. , Bedell Tina M.
Published: June 2007

As the Hispanic population of the United States continues to grow, so will the need for therapists who have been trained to work with Hispanic families. This content analysis of the available treatment literature generated several specific guidelines that can be used in training and evaluating culturally competent therapists. Guidelines included: Use family therapy, act as advocate for the family, assess immigration experience, assess acculturation, respect father, interview family subsystems separately, do not force changes, provide concrete suggestions, and warmly engage the family. Empirical and conceptual support for each guideline is discussed and several conclusions are made regarding culturally competent therapy with Hispanic families.
A FEMINIST ANALYSIS OF SELF‐HELP BESTSELLERS FOR IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS: A DECADE REVIEW
Authors: Zimmerman Toni Schindler , Holm Kristen E. , Starrels Marjorie E.
Published: June 2007

Self‐help literature is pervasive and influential in the United States. A Critical analysis of self‐help books would help therapists to determine their utility for therapeutic process and assist them in making reading recommendations to clients. In this study, a content analysis was conducted of the top II relationships self‐help books on the New York Times Bestseller List over a period of 10 years (1988–198) to determine the degree to which these books support a feminist approach to therapy. This study yielded three major findings. First, the number of feminist books, the number of nonfeminist books, and those falling in the middle across four components of feminist family therapy are about equal. However, the second major finding was that the top‐selling books are more likely to be nonfeminist than feminist. The third finding is that most best‐selling self‐help books appear to have become less compatible with a feminist approach to relationships over time. This analysis encourages therapists to think critically about these best‐selling books; it will also allow therapists to condider this methodology as a model for critically analyzing other books that they recommend to clients or use in their own professional development.
PARENTAL ACCOUNTS OF BLAMING WITHIN THE FAMILY: A DIALECTICAL MODEL FOR UNDERSTANDING BLAME IN SYSTEMIC THERAPY
Authors: Bowen Ceri , Madill Anna , Stratton Peter
Published: June 2007

The aim of this study was to further understanding of blame in systemic therapy. Five families were chosen by their therapeutic team as engaging in blaming of a kind that the therapists found difficult to work with. Couples from each of the five families participated. A video extract from therapy identified by therapists as typifying blaming within the family was used as a focus for semistructured interviews with each parent. Transcripts were analyzed according to the procedures of grounded theory. On the basis of this inductive qualitative analysis, a framework of understanding emerged from the data consisting of the core category, “dialectical understanding,” and an accompanying set of overarching themes. These themes capture the way in which participants oscillated among 13 dialecics in their discussion of blame within their family and within family therapy. The model provides a framework for analyzing the style and content of therapy conversations with a view to helping therapists facilitate therapeutic change in this difficult client group.
TRANSFORMING AN MFT PROGRAM: A MODEL FOR ENHANCING DIVERSITY
Authors: McDowell Teresa , Fang Shi‐Ruei , Brownlee Kenya , Young Cecilia Gomez , Khanna Anchal
Published: June 2007

Marriage and family therapy programs need to go beyond the typical practices of recruiting and retaining students of color. Marriage and family therapy educators must assume positions of leadership by transforming graduate programs to reflect a deep, active, systemic commitment to both diversity and social justice. In this article, we argue that it is through this type of transformation that programs become truly ready to support students of color and to prepare all therapists to advocate for equity in a diverse, often unfair society. This article offers a model that addresses readiness, recruitment, retention, assessment, and professional development from this perspective.
REVIEWS
Authors: Harris Steven M.
Published: June 2007

Brody, L. (1999). Gender, emotion, and the family.

Fowers, B. J. (2000). Beyond the myth of marital happiness: How embracing the virtues of loyalty, generosity, justice, and courage can strengthen your relatoinship.

Jones, E., & Asen, E. (2000). Systemic couple therapy and depression.

Joyce, P. (2001). Couples: Real people, real issues.

Woody, R. H. (2000). Child custody: Practice standards, ethical issues, & legal safeguards for mental health professionals.
CONDUCTING RESEARCH WITH COMMUNITY AGENCIES: MEETING RECRUITMENT AND COLLABORATION CHALLENGES
Authors: Thomas Volker
Published: June 2007

Family therapy outcome research with community agencies has been challenging for various reasons. In two recent research projects, it was found that providing active feedback to agencies about their clinical services via a clinical report and a research‐asgency liaison were sucessful strategies to develop a collaborative atmosphere with agencies. Specifically, the two starategies improved agency and therapist recruitment, client and therapist motivation, and reduced therapist and client attrition.
DEVELOPING A MANUALIZED COUPLES TREATMENT FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Authors: Stith Sandra M. , Rosen Karen H. , McCollum Eric E.
Published: June 2007

This paper describes challenges faced in a four‐year project to develop a manualized couples treatment program for domestic violence. The couples treatment program is an add‐on to a male batterer program where the male partner has perpetrated mild‐to‐moderate violence, yet both partners want to remain together. The project involved the cooperation of a variety of community agencies and referrals from key domestic violence programs. While some anticipated challenges did not materialize over the course of the project, unanticipated challenges did. Qualitative data collected from therapists and clients throughout the project was used to refine the treatment approach.
TAKING A STAND: AN ADOLESCENT GIRL'S RESISTANCE TO MEDICATION
Authors: Sparks Jacqueline A.
Published: June 2007

Therapists and clients encounter pressure to seek medication for adolescent depression and dangerous behaviors. A review of current research indicates that medical practitioners prescribe antidepressants for adolescents despite questionable efficacy, side effects, and frequent refusal. Adolescent girls' expressions of distress expose them to systems that promote medication prescription. A critical look at medical, gender, and adolescent discourses sheds light on drug prescription as standard practice and highlights its impact on adolescent girls' agency, voice, and community connection. Resistance to medication is reconsidered as an act of personal and political choice. Amy, a 16‐year‐old girl, and her therapist describe strategies for managing depression without medication.
THE THERAPEUTIC ALLIANCE IN HOME‐BASED FAMILY THERAPY: IS IT PREDICTIVE OF OUTCOME?
Authors: Johnson Lee N. , Wright David W. , Ketring Scott A.
Published: June 2007

This study examined the association between the therapeutic alliance in family therapy and changes in symptom distress, interpersonal relationships, and family coping. The participants (N = 81) were members of low socioeconomic status families referred to a university clinic for in‐home family therapy. Participants completed the Outcome Questionnaire, Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation, and the Family Therapy Alliance questionnaires. Regression analyses revealed that the therapeutic alliance explained 19% of the variance in symptom distress changes for mother, 55% for fathers, and 39% for adolescents. The implications of these findings for practicing and researching family therapy are presented.
WHEN THERAPISTS DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR MORAL VALUES: GREEN'S RESPONSE AS A CASE STUDY
Authors: Rosik Christopher H.
Published: June 2007

In this rejoinder to Green's (this issue) commentary on my article, I clarify several points of agreement and divergence with his critique. The failure of Green to be forthcoming about the sociopolitical and moral framework that infuses his response is unfortunately all too common in this literature. This places a limitation on the degree to which his comments can be contextually evaluated, though they remain didactically useful. Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) must realize that their underlying belief systems exact a profound influence on their conceptions about what constitutes mental health, valid treatment goals, and the best means to achieve these aims. These value framworks may or may not be shared by religiously conservative and other clients who seek to develop their heterosexual potential. This has important, but often unrecognized, implications for clinical practice.
ASSESSING NONTRADITIONAL COUPLES: VALIDITY OF THE MARITAL SATISFACTION INVENTORY‐REVISED WITH GAY, LESBIAN, AND COHABITING HETEROSEXUAL COUPLES
Authors: Means‐Christensen Adrienne J. , Snyder Douglas K. , Negy Charles
Published: June 2007

Thirty‐one gay male couples and 28 lesbian couples were compared with 36 cohabiting heterosexual couples using the Marital Satisfaction Inventory‐Revised (MSI‐R), a multidimensional measure of relationship functioning intended for use with both traditional and nontraditional couples. Analyses of scales' internal consistency and factor structure supported the construct validity of this measure with nontraditional couples. Analyses of mean profiles on the MSI‐R indicated that cohabiting opposite‐gender and same‐gender couples were more alike than different, and were more similar to nondistressed samples of married heterosexual couples from the general community than to couples in therapy. Implications of current findings for clinical assessment and intervention are considered, and directions for future research are proposed.
EFFECTIVENESS RESEARCH IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY: INTRODUCTION
Authors: Sprenkle Douglas H.
Published: June 2007

The papers in this volume offer compelling evidence that MFT is making significant progress toward becoming an evidenced based discipline. Nonetheless, a large gap persists between research and practice, which perpetuates a false dichotomy between the art and science of treatment and has other deleterious consequences for the field. The methodological strengths of the investigations reported, which focus on clinical trials, are discussed along with concerns raised about this type of research. Several important challenges facing MFT research in the decades ahead are described. Finally, MFT education must be changed substantially to give more emphasis to the science of the discipline.
A THEORETICAL TRAVEL TIME BASED ON WATERSHED HYPSOMETRY1
Authors: Luo Wei , Harlin John M.
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: The time to hydrograph peak of a watershed basin has been found to correlate with various statistical attributes (e.g., skewness and kurtosis) of its hypsometric curve (treated as probability distribution). This paper presents a theoretical travel time that is conceptually analogous to the time to hydrograph peak and can be calculated directly from the hypsometric curve of a watershed basin based on gravity and acceleration. The theoretical travel times for 23 selected watersheds in the United States are found to correlate significantly with their corresponding hypsometric attributes. In addition, the theoretical travel times are consistent with the times of concentration estimated from the Federal Aviation Administration method. Thus, this paper offers a simple theoretical explanation to the empirically identified linkage between time to hydrograph peak and hypsometric attributes. This theoretical travel time can provide an alternative way of characterizing the effects of basin morphometry on hydrologic response.
MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF WATER QUALITY AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED WATERSHEDS IN PUERTO RICO1
Authors: Santos‐Román Déborah M. , Warner Glenn S. , Scatena Frederick
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: Multivariate analyses were used to develop equations that could predict certain water quality (WQ) conditions for unmonitored watersheds in Puerto Rico based on their physical characteristics. Long term WQ data were used to represent the WQ of 15 watersheds in Puerto Rico. A factor analysis (FA) was performed to reduce the number of chemical constituents. Cluster analysis (CA) was used to group watersheds with similar WQ characteristics. Finally, a discriminant analysis (DA) was performed to relate the WQ clusters to different physical parameters and generate predicting equations. The FA identified six factors (77 percent of variation explained): nutrients, dissolved ions, sodium and chloride, silicacious geology, red ox conditions, and discharge. From the FA, specific conductance, sodium, phosphorous, silica, and dissolved oxygen were selected to represent the WQ characteristics in the CA. The CA determined five groups of watersheds (forested, urban polluted, mixed urban/rural, forested plutonic, and limestone) with similar WQ properties. From the five WQ clusters, two categories can be observed: forested and urban watersheds. The DA found that changes in forest cover, percent of limestone, mean annual rainfall, and watershed shape factor were the most important physical features affecting the WQ of watersheds in Puerto Rico.
A STATISTICAL APPROACH FOR PERFORMING WATER QUALITY IMPAIRMENT ASSESSMENTS1
Authors: Gibbons Robert D.
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: A statistical approach for making Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) impairment decisions is developed as an alternative to the simple tally of the number of measurements that happen to exceed the standard. The method ensures that no more than a small (e.g., 10 percent) percentage of water quality samples will exceed a regulatory standard with a high level of confidence (e.g., 95 percent). The method is based on the 100(1‐α) percent lower confidence limit on an upper percentile of the concentration distribution. Advantages of the method include: (1) it provides a direct test of the hypothesis that a prespecified percentage of the true concentration distribution exceeds a regulatory standard, (2) it is applicable to a wide variety of different statistical concentration distributions, (3) it directly incorporates the magnitude of the measured concentrations unlike traditional approaches, and (4) it has explicit statistical power characteristics (i.e., what is the probability of missing an environmental impact). Detailed study of the simple tally approach reveals that it achieves high statistical power at the expense of unacceptably high false positive rates (30 to 40 percent false positive results). By contrast, the statistical approach results in similar statistical power while achieving a nominal false positive rate of 5 percent.
A FRAMEWORK FOR QUANTITATIVE SMART GROWTH IN LAND DEVELOPMENT1
Authors: Moglen Glenn E. , Gabriel Steven A. , Faria Jose A.
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: Increasing awareness about the problems brought on by urban sprawl has led to proactive measures to guide future development. Such efforts have largely been grouped under the term “Smart Growth.” Although not widely recognized as such, the “smart” in Smart Growth implies an optimization of some quantity or objective while undertaking new forms of urban development. In this study, we define Smart Growth as that development plan that leads to the optimal value of a precisely defined measure identified by a stakeholder or stakeholders. To illustrate a formal, quantitative framework for Smart Growth, this study develops definitions of optimal development from the perspectives of four different types of stakeholders: a government planner, a land developer, a hydrologist, and a conservationist subject to certain development constraints. Four different objective functions are posed that are consistent with each of these stakeholders’perspectives. We illustrate the differences in consequences on future development given these different objective functions in a stylized representation for Montgomery County, Maryland. Solutions to Smart Growth from the individual perspectives vary considerably. Tradeoff tables are presented that illustrate the consequences experienced by each stakeholder depending on the viewpoint that has been optimized. Although couched in the context of an illustrative example, this study emphasizes the need to apply rigorous, quantitative tools in a meaningful framework to address Smart Growth. The result is a tool that a range of parties can use to plan future development in ways that are environmentally and fiscally responsible and economically viable.
EVALUATION OF NITRATE DATA IN THE OCKLAWAHA RIVER BASIN, FLORIDA (1953–2002)1
Authors: Mytyk Nicole R. , Delfino Joseph J.
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: Nitrate levels in the Ocklawaha River Basin in north central Florida were reviewed over a 50‐year period. Data were obtained from the literature, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) STOrage and RETrieval (STORET), and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) databases. The study objective was to determine whether nitrate concentrations are increasing and if so, whether this increase is linked to land use changes. Increasing nitrate levels were seen at 5 of the 14 stations, while other stations showed no trend or a decreasing trend. Median nitrate concentrations in the Ocklawaha River increased from 0.07 mg‐N/L to 0.78 mg‐N/L at sites downstream from the Silver River. Throughout the Rodman Reservoir, median nitrate concentrations decreased from 0.48 mg‐N/L to 0.01 mg‐N/L and increased to 0.04 mg‐N/L after the Kirkpatrick Dam. Flow and concentration relationships were correlated for five stations. At four of the five stations nitrate concentrations decreased in response to increasing flow, likely the result of dilution with nitrate poor water. Changes in land use over a 20‐ year period (1970 to 1990) also were monitored. Sources of nitrate have been linked by isotopic analysis to organic and inorganic fertilizers, which appear to be related to increased urbanization and an increase in lawns that require nutrient fertilization.