Reviews the literature concerning school-family intervention, and presents a treatment model in which the therapist first interdicts, and then gradually restores school-family communication, as necessary changes are effected in both systems. (BH)

The theories, techniques, and applications of interventions in social networks have multiplied in recent years. This paper traces significant clinical literature on networks, at the same time pointing out similarities with tribal healing in "primitive" societies. (Author)

Presents a form of insight therapy based upon systems theory and suggests that this has much to offer in marital therapy. Categories of relationship problems with which a couples therapist must deal are described. (Author)

Probate coincides with changes in the relational system of a family and often affects the distribution of status and power among kin. The systems approach focuses on the interrelations among beneficiaries and, in some cases, disinherited members of the family. (Author)

Argues that family therapy, while highlighting the significance of family functioning for individual experience, has failed to respond to the critical analyses of the family that have recently been offered by the women's movement. Consequently, it cannot investigate the possibility that "dysfunction" in families is actually socially…

Focuses on alcoholism in the husband/father. Disturbed personality and decompensation hypotheses were not supported by the data. Suggests systems theory alone is inadequate to conceptualize the inconsistency of the alcoholic, and his impact on the family. Proposes a combination of systems theory and Hill's (1949) crisis theory. (Author)

Understanding and developing skills in working with families are important for school psychologists. By viewing a child's problems from a family systems framework, new interventions such as short-term family therapy can be employed. Training programs should include courses in family therapy. (JAC)

The impact of breast cancer and mastectomy on women and their families is examined from a family systems orientation. Sexual counseling and family therapy are advocated to reduce the psychological and sexual trauma of mastectomy and enhance family adjustment. Clinical case studies provide support for therapeutic intervention. (Author)

This paper discusses the concept of a family system in terms of an interactive system of interrelated, interdependent parts and suggests that VHS movies can act as perturbations, i.e., change promoting agents, for certain dysfunctional family systems. Several distinct characteristics of a family system are defined with particular emphasis on…

Research and clinical support for the connections between alcohol abuse and the family milieu have generated increased interest in family treatment approaches to alcoholism. In assessing the "alcoholic family," the clinician must consider numerous aspects of family interaction which have been linked to abuse and to treatment outcomes.…

The 22 articles of this special issue focus on families with mentally, physically or emotionally disabled family members and discuss the importance of viewing the family as a system. Research studies and literature reviews report on family reaction, stress variables and coping techniques, placement decisions, and policy recommendations. (JAC)

Describes the dynamics and characteristics of families with a chemically abusive member. Suggests that since the family is intricately involved in the addictive system, family therapy is needed to promote clear communication, consistent parenting, and aid in developing independent living skills and attitudes. (Author/JAC)

Presents a conceptual framework for the family's reorganization after a divorce, viewed as a crisis of family transition. Social workers must be prepared to help a couple with the complex process of terminating spousal roles but continuing and redefining parental roles, which is central to family redefinition. (Author)

As subsystems within the stepfamily structure compete for limited resources, conflicts arise among subsystems and within subsystems among persons with membership in different subunits. Stepfamilies can become more unified through recognition of prior loyalties, negotiations to resolve conflicts, and techniques to redefine the boundaries between…

A brief review of systems theory provides a rationale for an underlying theoretical model within which systems theory can be more completely understood. The essence of the model is that persons are the major unit of study because the available means of satisfying "basic needs" define and shape interaction patterns in the family as in other human…