Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES) IV was developed to tap the full continuum of the cohesion and flexibility dimensions from the Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems. Six scales were developed, with two balanced scales and four unbalanced scales designed to tap low and high cohesion (disengaged and enmeshed) and…

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…

This study reviews the creation and testing of a model of Therapist Personal Agency during MFT training. A model including self-efficacy, trainee developmental level, supervisor working alliance, family of origin relationships, and psychological states was supported by data collected from a national sample of MFT students. The model supported by…

In this article, we report the results of a national survey of students in COAMFTE-accredited family therapy programs who self-identify as coming from lower- or working-class backgrounds. Results of the study reveal opportunity and tension relative to family, friends, and community because of social mobility associated with graduate education.…

Family environment has been shown to be one of the factors related to the presence of eating disorders among young-adult females. Clinical experience and theories about eating disorders postulate that implicit family rules are an intricate part of family process that may have a great effect on the creation and maintenance of such problems. This…

Differentiation of self, a cornerstone concept in Bowen theory, has a profound influence over time on the functioning of the individual and his or her family unit. This 5-year longitudinal study tested this hypothesis with 50 developing nuclear families. The dimensions of differentiation of self that were examined were goal direction and…

This article describes the qualitative analysis of a randomized control trial that explores the use of parent-to-parent consultations as an augmentation to the Maudsley model of family-based treatment for anorexia. Twenty families were randomized into two groups, 10 receiving standard treatment and 10 receiving an additional parent-to-parent…

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…

Relatively little attention has been paid in the professional literature to the cult phenomenon: what it is; how it attracts converts; what differentiates the vulnerable youth from the non-vulnerable; the effects of cult membership on the convert's family; and, particularly, the ways in which the family can be aided. (Author)

Developed Family Emotional Involvement and Criticism Scale (FEICS), self-report scale assessing perceived criticism and intensity of emotional involvement. Adult respondents (n=83) completed FEICS. Cronbach's alpha was 0.82 for Perceived Criticism subscale and 0.74 for Emotional Involvement subscale. Findings suggest that FEICS is reliable…

Reviews images of male heroes. Presents categories of males as dominating-intimidating; intimidated, passive, passive-aggressive; unfaithful; computer-man; dysfunctional-addicted; or violent. Claims counselors should not try to strengthen same old families but should try to strengthen the family by changing it. (ABL)

To deepen our understanding of the therapeutic alliance in conjoint treatment, we interviewed clients in four families about their individual, private experience of the alliance after an early session. These qualitative data were triangulated with family members' scores on Pinsof's Family Therapy Alliance Scale-Revised and observational ratings of…

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.…

Presents the results of six years of clinical research on families (N=114) with psychotic children. Suggests the child's psychotic breakdown is the endpoint of a six-stage process which begins with the child's intervention in the parent's "stalemated" interaction. (Author/ABB)

Discusses effective treatment of adolescents in long-term psychiatric hospitals or residential treatment centers and the need for a family treatment model that integrates a long-term psychodynamically oriented residential treatment approach with family systems theory. A four-stage model for working with families having a hospitalized adolescent…