A qualitative study among 22 young adults (20-25 years old) whose parents divorced during their childhood was conducted in Israel, using semi-structured, in-depth, open-ended interviews. Qualitative data analysis led to identification of three profiles, aiming at a grounded theoretical conceptualization. Three core themes were identified: the…

Reviews studies which indicated physiological arousal, particularly of husband, as well as husband's stonewalling and the wife's verbal expressions of contempt, predicted longitudinal deterioration of marital satisfaction. Presents stages of disengagement and emotional withdrawal. (ABL)

In this article, I suggest that postdivorce paternal disengagement may be rooted in the father's tendency to link his children and ex-wife as a single entity in consequence of his failure to adequately mourn the loss of his ex-wife and to redefine his paternal role and identity in distinction from his spousal role and identity. I also suggest that…

Tested the reliability and validity of the Marital Status Inventory (MSI), a measure of divorce potential (N=241 couples). Compound probability for five clinical sites supported the contention that, overall, wives' are more distressed than their husbands. The MSI was also able to identify couples who later divorced. (JAC)

Attempted to replicate study which proved predictive validity of premarital inventory PREPARE. Conducted longitudinal study with couples (N=179) who took PREPARE. Found PREPARE predicted with about 80 percent accuracy couples who got divorced from those that were happily married. Claims premarital counseling could potentially help high-risk…

Studied effects of parental loss in a sample of 98 young married couples and 248 college students. Compared to those with no parental loss, young adults with parental death tended to be more hesitant about intimate relationships. Persons with parental divorce generally indicated accelerated courtship patterns. (JAC)

Describes a different type of continuing attachment between former spouses by extending Bowen's (1978) ideas about emotional cut-off to the relationship between former spouses. Guidelines are offered concerning clinical interventions in emotionally cut-off divorce cases and a case example is provided. (NRB)

Presents a five-year follow-up investigation of former marital therapy clients. Conjoint and non-conjoint forms of marital therapy are compared to divorce rates and outcome. Findings indicate conjoint forms of marital therapy are superior to non-conjoint forms. (Author)

Through the use of several case studies explores the concepts of amicable divorce and unhappy marriage. Effective marital strategies are delineated, and the rationale and implementation of creative divorce counseling is described. (Author/RC)

Developmental tasks common to the formation of a reconstituted family are described, particularly the continued mourning of the old family; the formation of a solid marital relationship despite the difficulties presented by past failures and the presence of children; and the formation of sibling alliances across family lines. (Author)

The mental health professional is increasingly being called upon by the courts to assist them in evaluating and intervening in families involved in disputes over custody or visitation of children. In making a recommendation to the court, the interviewer should take into account the well-being and perspectives of all family members. (Author)

Reviews empirical studies related to divorce therapy both substantively and methodologically. Strong evidence exists for the superiority of mediation to traditional adversary methods for custody and visitation disputes. Conciliation counseling appears to increase the number of reconciliations in the short-term. Other conclusions must remain very…

Describes the transitional nature of child custody decisions in current legal decisions, and the shifting emhasis from parental to child's rights. The legal structure of joint custody is based on the child's right and need for conjoint parental accessibility. (Author)

An experienced therapist can be an effective witness in courtroom testimony. Unfortunately his expertise and objectivity are not always appreciated by the legal profession. Suggestions are given to help the therapist understand his rights and obligations as a professional witness. (JAC)

Treatment of the divorced father usually follows four phases. The first phase deals with the immediate crisis of separation. The second centers on the experience of loss and dependency needs. Phase three examines beliefs, values, and social realities. Phase four focuses on issues of parenthood. There is considerable overlap. (Author)