Although contingency contracting is a popular strategy for use in treating distressed relationships, there is no direct evidence of its efficacy. A stimulus control model of change in behavioral couples' therapy states that conditions under which an agreement was negotiated are the primary determinants of whether the agreement is upheld. (Author)

An overview is constructed of a substantial array of space and action techniques of broad utility in marriage and family therapy. Roots of these techniques and their basic concepts are traced. A heuristic typology is presented which highlights the essential interrelatedness of diverse methods and lays foundation for further innovation. (Author)

A recently developed theory of marital dissolution that utilizes a systems perspective is briefly presented. The theory was derived from almost 1,300 propositions in extant literature, and is readily understandable to layman, practitioner, and academician. Implications contained within the theory for those concerned with saving floundering marital…

A pattern common to marital breakdown and divorce is described in which one partner seeks closeness and reassurance while the other desires separateness and independence. The roots of these dynamics in the spouses' families of origin are discussed. Recommendations for family therapy are treated briefly. (Author)

Frequently the motive for divorce is neurotic. This paper calls attention to one such motive: reaction to disappointment by a significant parent-in-law, which may go unnoticed by both the therapist and the patient who has come for help at the time when the marriage is disintegrating. (Author)

Two hypotheses related to the conceptualization of marriage as an interaction relationship and marital dysfunction as interpersonal pathology were tested empirically with first-married couples (N=30) asking specifically for marital counseling. Data analysis revealed support for the second but not the first hypothesis. (Author)

This article discusses the impact on one counselor and the culminating development of the unique interviewing technique of openly sharing the written record with the client which answers the patient's age-old question of what the therapist is thinking about him and his problems. (Author)

In this article the authors attempt to demonstrate how the principles of social exchange, reciprocity and distributive justice can be used to explain the development and continuation of marital dissatisfaction and conflict. (Author)

The Allred Interaction Analysis for Counselors (AIAC) is an instrument for systematically analyzing counselors' and clients' verbal behaviors. It was constructed to provide marriage and family counselors-in-training a method for acquiring meaningful, objective feedback on counseling behaviors. Interrater reliability coefficients have been high.…

The exhibiting of the genitals by males has previously been defined as symptomatic of narcissism and infantile sexuality. As an alternative, defining the problem as symptomatic of disturbances in basic relationships and treating the current central relationships as the focus offers a strong opportunity for inducing satisfactory changes. (Author)

A heuristic model is presented for the diagnosis and treatment of families in stress. A systems approach and psychoanalytic concepts are integrated to understand and modify dysfunctional behavior transmitted across generations. (Author)

The growth and self understanding of the therapist as a person are considered by most training centers to be a significant part of the training process. This article reports on a pilot project which provided contractual marital and family therapy for trainees in a two-year program. (Author)

The interaction processes of 25 couples receiving marriage counseling were compared with a control group of 25 couples not receiving counseling. The study was a partial test of a circumplex model of marital and family systems. The major variable was adaptability. Creativity and support were also examined. (Author)

This research examined use of reciporcity procedures with married couples in a group format. Couples (N=7), enrolled in a non-credit extension course, participated in an eight-week workshop. Commitment to and optimism about marriage and ratings on three of nine areas of couple interaction significantly increased over the eight-week period. (Author)

Certain factors limit marital therapists in dealing with individuals conflicted over and disenchanted about "traditional" marriage: 1) the therapist's gender; 2) the presence of sex-role stereotyped behaviors and expectations; and 3) the therapist's own marital experience. Specific helpful experiences and therapeutic techniques are discussed.…