Field combat stress clinics and research have identified the signature event that precedes thoughts of suicide and homicide in combat soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan: a distressing personal relationship event with a stateside partner. In response to this alarming information, we have identified critical factors and precipitating incidents as well…

The context of military service has changed greatly since the events of 9/11. The forward deployment of service members to active war zones, which involves the issues of separation, time away from home, and eventual reunion, increases the vulnerability of their families to multiple, negative short-term and long-term effects. This article explores…

"Reciprocity," a social simulation game based on exchange theory, was developed to study dynamics of power relationships in the context of marriage and the family. The manner in which Reciprocity may be used to study power in family relationships is illustrated in terms of a husband-wife and a parent-teen version. (Author)

The Stepfamily Enrichment Program is a multi-couple group intervention intended to help stepfamilies successfully negotiate the early stages of family formation. Theory, research, and clinical findings were integrated in this intervention designed specifically for remarried couples. Emphasis is placed on strengthening and improving family…

A three-part training model in diagnosing marital and family systems is described. The first unit introduced diagnostic tools and techniques. The second focuses on family systems theory and its relation to diagnosis. The third integrates the derived theory of diagnosing marital and family systems with clinical application. (Author)

The existing empirical literature on the outcomes of marital and pre-marital enrichment programs is critically reviewed. Six specific issues are addressed in an effort to improve the quality and utility of further research and practice in this area. (Author)

Describes how imagery can lead couples to more constructive perspectives on their Interactions, e.g., when progress in therapy sessions focused on a couple's (family's) communication slows down, therapists can encourage couples to try imagery to understand interactional patterns within their own developmental periods. Provides examples of…

Presents the Marriage and Family Awareness Program, a three-stage model for Christian counseling, consisting of a James Dobson film, parent groups, and follow-up counseling. The program was offered to over 100 persons in Texas churches. Feedback from participants was positive. Elements of each session are described. (JAC)

Reviews the literature on the role of family distress in the treatment of children's behavior disorders. Describes a system for integrating marital- and child-focused treatments and makes suggestions for improving the design of studies assessing the impact of contextual factors on parent-child interaction. (FMW)