Examined patterning of relational control in families of schizophrenic patients, and relationship between control in the family and the course of the illness. Transcripts of conversations among 17 schizophrenic outpatients and their families were coded into Relational Control Coding System. Found rigid, one-up messages from family members to…

Notes that numerous dysfunctions have roots in interpersonal problems rather than in individual, intrapsychic distress. Discusses movement toward developing diagnostic system that depicts/classifies relational disorders, and efforts of proponents to include relational disorders in future versions of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental…

Describes Family System Test (FAST) as improvement over other figure placement techniques which offers assessment procedure that measures both cohesion and power, assesses several family levels, allows for interpretation and comparison of individual and collective perceptions, and yields more complex view of family dynamics by providing…

Introduces a creative diagnostic tool, developed and clinically applied in individual, marital, and family therapy. The tool is based on the clients' creation of a family album in the form of a collage. It enables the therapist to touch the inner theater of the client, as well as to understand the interpersonal theater. (Author/MKA)

Studied qualitative dimensions believed to affect intergenerational family relationships, surveying older parents (N=170) and adult children (N=145). Results indicated that qualitative dimensions are associated with one another and that affection and communication greatly determine the quality of relationship for both generations. Filial…

Examines definitions and concepts of power and their application in family organizations. Inappropriate power plays are often utilized by family members to control or dominate others. Presents techniques for identifying such conflicts and redirecting the flow of power. (Author/WAS)

Evaluates the efficiency of the coping mechanisms of 82 unemployed African men with dependents. Results revealed significant relationships between perceived stress and stressful life events, as well as between perceived stress and four groups of coping mechanisms, the strongest relationships being reported for stressful life events, psychological…

Considers addictions and construct of codependence. Offers critical review and synthesis of codependency literature, along with an intergenerational family systems framework for conceptualizing the relationship of the dysfunctional family to the construct of codependence. Presents theoretical basis for systemic clinical work and research in this…

Research in the field of marriage and family therapy requires many ethical considerations due to the complexity of relationships among family members and the sensitive information involved. The AAMFT Code of Ethics and ethical standards for research attempt to address these concerns. The guidelines cover issues such as risk management, informed…

Examined the relationships among measures designed to assess two important aspects of family functioning: cohesion and control. Included these measures: Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales-II (FACES-II), Family Environment Scale (FES), family sculpture task, and social desirability scale. Found preliminary convergent and discriminant validity…

Examines the major principles and goals of contextual therapy and methods employed in its clinical application. A second article presents an interview with Dr. Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy, who developed contextual family therapy. The interview ranges from Dr. Nagy's early training to the theoretical and clinical foundations of contextual family therapy.…

Makes a theoretical comparison between Adlerian and analytic formulations of family assessment in a case study involving a recently divorced couple and a child with encopresis. Discussed the family relationship in terms of object relations theory emphasizing intrapsychic experience, and Adlerian theory emphasizing the purposes of behavior. (JAC)

Explores the self of individuals involved, family business system, and societal context as three interacting, mutually impactful levels of unit to be addressed in family business consultation by family psychologists/therapists. Articulates some major premises about family businesses and presents case vignette to illustrate dynamics and functioning…

Compares students with disabilities and students with no disabilities on the family systems measures of fusion and triangulation. Examines the relationships among fusion, triangulation, and college adjustment. Relationships between fusion and college adjustment and between triangulation and college adjustment were found. (Author/MKA)

Reliability and validity of Chinese Self-Report Family Inventory (C-SFI) were examined in three studies. Study 1 showed C-SFI was temporally stable and internally consistent. Study 2 indicated C-SFI could discriminate between clinical and nonclinical groups. Study 3 gave support for internal consistency, concurrent validity and construct validity.…