Defensive projection is discussed as a mechanism important in understanding interpersonal relations. Projections are seen as an important source of both misperception of spouse and reduced self-awareness, leading to resentment and a rigid marital system. In conjoint marriage counseling, the counselor may intervene to correct perceptual distortion.…

Deals with the marital dynamics characteristics of the period immediately prior to a decision to divorce. The concept of a marital Point of No-Return (N/R) is introduced. Guidelines for working with the concept are presented. (Author)

Examines the development and use of personal idioms within intimate relationships. Characterizes the idioms by function and analyzes them by private or external orientation, as well as verbal and nonverbal mode of presentation. (JMF)

Data from married Utah residents were used to assess a model of marital role satisfaction. Conclusions suggest that a roles approach in evaluating global satisfaction is appropriate. Stress and conflict are general conditions rather than role specific. Behaviors which decrease role stress may not result in increase in role satisfaction.…

Presents data and discussion comparing life-cycle measures of divorced women with those of women who had never divorced. Findings indicate that differences do exist in the timing of life-cycle events according to marital history, race, and education but that birth cohort association represents an overriding source of differential timing. (Author)

Two aspects of teenage fertility are examined in this paper: (1) teenage fertility, in general, does not follow the conventional family formation process in which conception follows marriage; and (2) there are considerable differences between White and non-White teenagers in proportions either pregnant outside of marriage or single at delivery.…

Describes a brief, eclectic, research-based program to enhance couples' relationships. Results indicate that couples receiving enrichment counseling (n=26) had higher relationship satisfaction and quality-of-couple skills at posttest and at the three-week follow-up than did written-assessment-only (control) couples (n=25). Concludes that the…

Relate, a British relationship counseling service, relies on volunteer counselors. They receive extensive initial training and continuous assessment, passing through stages from incompetence to the point at which competence becomes unconscious. (SK)

Replicates and extends previous research in the use of relational maintenance strategies in marriage. Examines diary logs of 10 married couples. Finds significant differences between husbands and wives for openness, network, and especially task strategies. Notes a general decline in the use of all types of strategies as years of marriage…

To better serve the growing number of Spanish-speaking couples and families in the U.S., it is useful to have a battery of instruments to assess the nature of their marital distress. This article presents the standard assessment battery that Brigham Young University uses to evaluate marital distress. (Contains 11 references and 1 table.) (GCP)

This article introduces the reader to several of the major issues in treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS, as well as clinical and ethical considerations facing marriage and family therapists today. (Contains 20 references.) (GCP)

Marital estrangement, positive feelings toward spouses, and locus of control among a national sample of 323 female counselors who were either married or formerly married to alcohol-abusing or to non-alcohol-abusing male partners were examined. Statistically significant differences between groups were found. (Contains 36 references.) (Author)

Learning to identify, label, and share feelings is an important ingredient of healthy personal, social, and family functioning. Presents the Feeling Word Game, a creative context for these tasks that can be used in a variety of therapeutic ways with individuals, couples, groups, and families. (Contains 21 references.) (GCP)

Reviews the current practice of using the Internet to provide marriage and family counseling services. Discusses how the Internet has developed into a medium that can be used for the provision of marriage and family counseling services. Ethical guidelines developed by other associations have direct implication in how marriage and family therapists…

Illuminates a collaborative effort between the author and Dr. Arnold A. Lazarus, an internationally known presenter, author, and therapist. Many consider Lazarus to be a pioneer of behavior therapy and brief psychotherapy. Presents details about his unique perspective regarding therapy with couples and families. Provides case examples that…