The present study seeks to extend previous research regarding literature related to gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) issues published in couple and family therapy (CFT)-related journals by presenting the results from a content analysis of GLB studies in CFT-related journals from 1996 to 2010. Results of the analysis revealed a 238.8% increase in…

This article introduces marriage and family therapists (MFT) to some of the common issues faced by families that have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). First, autism is defined and common myths surrounding it are discussed. Next, relational challenges are presented that families report experiencing during early childhood through the…

Explores geometry of widely used family typologies and derives multidimensional model the geometry of which is equivalent to, but more succinctly captures, underlying structure of variation in family paradigms. Resulting model is then interpreted and explored in terms of implications for family theory, theory construction, and family therapy.…

Reports series of studies investigating reliability and validity of the McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD). Results indicated that the FAD has: (1) adequate test-retest reliability, (2) low correlations with social desirability, (3) moderate correlations with other self-report measures of family functioning, and (4) differentiates…

Examined factor structure of Family-of-Origin Scale (FOS). Used confirmatory factor analysis to examine similarities of factor structure obtained in study of 162 gay and bisexual men with those proposed theoretically by test authors. Concluded that findings do not support theoretically proposed factor structure of FOS and that value of FOS is…

Examines some issues raised in Gavin and Wamboldt's (1992) recent study on Family-of-Origin Scale (FOS). Discusses unresolved concerns regarding validity and utility of FOS and unsubstantiated and potentially misleading claims made by Gavin and Wamboldt. Makes case for conceptual and methodological precision in study of family phenomena.…

Investigates psychometric properties and overall utility of Family-of-Origin Scale. Concludes that, although much of the recent criticism of this instrument may be justified, with changes (primarily in interpretation) the instrument remains useful. Taking this measure as an example, discusses problems inherent in the use of individual self-report…

In this study, the model of two independent dimensions of family connectedness, closeness-caregiving, and intrusiveness, was tested by assessing spouses from 264 couples, using the California Inventory for Family Assessment (CIFA). As predicted, factor analyses distinguished dimensions of intrusiveness (blurring of boundaries) from…

Examined factor structure of Family of Origin Scale (FOS) and whether this structure is congruent with that proposed by test authors. Two factor analyses based upon college student responses to FOS yielded similar factor structure and identified salient factor common to other factor analyses of scales measuring perceived family environments.…

Abusive, discordant, 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. Low levels of spouse-specific assertion were characteristic of discordant couples whether abusive or not. Spousal…

Describes relationship patterns in lesbian couples as varying systematically from relationship patterns in heterosexual couples. These patterned differences are addressed from a systemic perspective in five areas: distance regulation and boundary maintenance, sexual expression, financial arrangements, breaking up, and stage differences in coming…

College students (n=141) completed Self-Report Family Inventory on Beavers Systems Model of Family Functioning, rating current family, family when they were 10 years old, and family when they were 16 years old. Found significant differences between age-of-recall groups, with recall ratings from age 10 significantly more competent, cohesive, and…

When parents refuse to, or cannot, participate in family therapy, working with just the siblings (Sibling Therapy) offers one way to help troubled children. When parents offer inconsistent or inadequate nurturing, seeing the children together allows development or strengthening of bonds among them and teaches them how to be available to each…

Responds to the critical evaluation of Coyne and Anderson in the previous article, of "Psychosomatic Families: Anorexia Nervosa in Context" (Minuchin, Rosman, and Baker). Asserts that indeed certain very specifically defined diabetic patients' physiological disturbance serves a function in their families, an assertion strongly supported by…

Examines effect of cystic fibrosis (CF) on structure and social climate of the family using self-report scales and independent observations of family functioning. Families in which the child with CF was not the firstborn were found to be functioning more healthily than those in which the child was firstborn. (Author/NRB)