Describes case study in which family systems approach to treating childhood encopresis based on the hypothesis that problematic elements of the family system were contributing to the encopresis. Nuclear family members were included in a family counseling process that used strategic homework, predictions about family behavior, and restructuring…

Reviews the problem of adolescent pregnancy/early childbearing, discussing some of the most common misconceptions about the issue as well as some of the reasons why this problem is of major concern. Suggests some possible solutions. Provides information on a number of resources that could be useful to professionals and parents. (Author/ABL)

Explores the fundamentalist Christian focus on perfectionism and its possible contribution to an increase in dysfunctional individuals, family systems, and societies. Several Bible verses are analyzed and the results of their misinterpretation discussed. The need for a program of spiritual growth, as expressed by Alcoholics Anonymous, as opposed…

Presents case study of David, six-year-old male who was experiencing a myriad of personal and family problems and who was expressing a desire to die. Comments on the case are provided by two practitioners in the field. (NB)

Using data from the 1995 Gallup Poll and a 1988 ABC News poll, examines the relationships between problematic drinking in the home and youth suicide rates. The hypothesis that chronic stress, as measured by problem drinking in the home, is related to youth suicide was supported. (MKA)

Using longitudinal data on South Korean youth, the authors addressed limitations of previous tests of general strain theory (GST), focusing on the relationships among key strains, situational- and trait-based negative emotions, conditioning factors, and delinquency. Eight types of strain previously shown most likely to result in delinquency,…

For millions of people, gambling offers a harmless and entertaining diversion from everyday life. For others, however, gambling represents a moment of overwhelming compulsion. Gambling for these individuals is tied to their self-esteem. They rarely have non-gambling hobbies and many times they have experienced a "big win." The average…

A case study is presented of a family whose 11-year-old son's aggressive behavior in school has triggered a crisis in the parents' marriage. (CL)

This literature review categorizes sexual victimization into general areas of intrafamilial and extrafamilial sexual abuse. Generalizations are drawn from existing data regarding both victims and perpetrators. Sex- and age-related findings are discussed relative to victims, while the analysis of incidence describes perpetrators of sexual abuse of…

This review of literature focuses on the dynamic interdependence of the process of remarriage. Systems analysis identifies boundary and roles as two constructs which depend on the functioning and interrelationship of four subsystems: primary family; personal; interpersonal; and secondary family. Functional remarried families confirm family…

Comments on psychosomatic family concept. Reviews decline of psychosomatic models of illness that assume that arousal is the only or primary means by which psychosocial factors influence illness. Focuses on brittle diabetes, noting the potential for family theorists to develop more adequate models of poor self-care and medical crises as…

Examined what families were particularly vulnerable to depredations of inflation in 1970s and early 1980s using data from Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Found inflation was most harmful to those least often in the labor force and on fixed or low incomes--older women and single mothers and their families. (Author/ABL)

Focuses upon gambling, the twelfth largest industry in the United States, and its impact on families. Discusses the history of gambling, the cost of gambling, and the growth of lotteries. Suggests issues for consumer professionals to explore. (JOW)

Used qualitative interview data from study of 60 single-parent mothers and 11 single-parent fathers to examine family problems and strengths identified by these parents. With exception of family finances and ex-spouses, mothers and fathers seemed to have very similar experiences. About two-thirds of single parents reported that single parenting…

In this article I will discuss the impact of my 2-year-old son's diagnosis and treatment of leukaemia. I will outline the background to being told he had leukaemia before describing the family dynamics that emerged during this time for me, my husband and our other child. My story will focus on managing the practicalities of a long stay in hospital…