Reviews the types of elective mutism and proposes common characteristics of elective mutists' families. Examines the potential for a redefinition of the term "elective mutism." Concludes that family dynamics are an integral part of the problem and need to be considered in a comprehensive treatment plan. (BH)

This report offers a theoretical approach to the study of family adaptation to stress. Major works pertaining to family theory, research, and stress, published since 1979, are explored as a theoretical framework, and three conclusions are drawn from these sources: (1) Hill's ABCX model of family stress still influences family stress research; (2)…

Examines the effect that a substance abuser may have on the family system and the maladaptive roles sometimes assumed by family members. Discusses dysfunctional family phases and therapeutic issues and presents 11 guidelines for counselors working with chemically dependent families. (JAC)

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)

Proposes a theoretical and practical hybrid model for family counseling based on integrating the rational-emotive and family systems approach. Notes that these combined approaches offer the counselor a systematic theoretical structure for conceptualizing family dysfunction, from which additional strategies for changing inappropriate belief systems…

Develops a detailed profile of dysfunction and disablement in the open family system: its intrinsic defects, response to crisis, and likely process of breakdown when overstressed. Suggests that somatic symptoms of stress in children may grow out of accelerated independence combined with parental overinvolvement. (JAC)

Describes the theory of self-defeating behaviors and discusses the theory's relevance for treatment of families' systems dysfunctions. Presents a case study illustrating the theory's application in a family systems approach for counselors. (RC)

Presents a strategy for intervening into rigidly homeostatic family systems. Identifies system rules which reveal "nodal" themes. Describes four types of nodal themes and clues for identifying them within families. Suggests ways of using system rules and nodal themes in developing paradoxical interventions. (Author/RC)

This document uses family systems constructs to explain the onset and maintenance of clinical symptoms such as depression and their relation to life cycle issues among the elderly. The basic assumptions of family systems thinking about structure and function are summarized. Figures and tables are used to illustrate changing family circumstances…

Presents family systems model for understanding adaptation and coping in childhood chronic illness. Provides overview of systems and social-ecological theories relevant to this population. Reviews literature on stress and coping in these families. Examines unique issues and discusses importance of these models for responding to families with…

Because abuse affects all members of an abusive family, the entire family system must be assessed and treated. A three-phase comprehensive assessment and treatment model is proposed that includes individual, marital, sibling, and family dynamics. This combination of treatment approaches culminates in conjoint family therapy. (Author)

This paper describes the application of a systems approach model to assessing families with a labeled noncompliant child. The first section describes and comments on the applied methodology for the model. The second section describes the classification of 61 families containing a child labeled by the family as noncompliant. An analysis of data…

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…

Family conservation is a new approach for strengthening nuclear families on a system level. The family communiversity is an agency developed to effect that approach. A discussion of family conservation on the systems level concerns the need for coping with those forces detrimental to families. The objective of family conservation is to maximize…

Recent developments in family stress and coping research and a review of data and observations of families in a war-induced crisis situation led to an investigation of the relationship between a stressor and family outcomes. The study, based on the Double ABCX Model in which A (the stressor event) interacts with B (the family's crisis-meeting…