The genogram can be used in an initial interview, as an organizing conceptual approach to the study of a family system. As a family tree, the genogram is a portrait of a family system over time and space. It's a structural diagram of a family's three-generational relationship system--an overview of emotional problems within the context of the…

Utilizing the conceptual framework of coping theory, 30 family care-givers of mentally ill family members were interviewed to determine the relationship between coping effectiveness and such variables as patient characteristics, factors of the care-givers life situation, and the availability and adequacy of community supports. Care-givers were…

The report documents a study in which parents identified as abusive or neglectful were interviewed to examine the relationship between the dependent variable of reduction of abusive or neglectful behavior and the independent variables describing the families (N=171) and the services given. Chapter I provides an overview of the study design.…

The authors propose that theoretical confusion and clinical inadequacy regarding child abuse is due, in part, from medical and legal ambiguity concerning child abuse and from dilemmas surrounding social policy and the professional response toward families and children. The dilemmas of social policy (family autonomy versus coercive intervention)…

The author examines the causes of behavioral disorders that stem from conditions existing in the home, school, and society, and offers specific recommendations for institutional changes which would reduce the number of behaviorally disordered children. Factors noted to be significantly related to emotional difficulties include divorce; the…

Recognizing the need for more manpower in preventive mental health, this project sought to demonstrate the feasibility of training police in techniques of intervention in family disturbances, in order to improve mental health and reduce violence. After 2 months of preparation, including a 160-hour on-campus course, the 18 police volunteers were…

This guide provides the basis for a study-discussion course in the social psychology of the American Family. The course is designed to give an overview of major areas of stress in contemporary family life, to define and offer possible solutions to these problems, and to present some consideration of their meaning for individuals. This manual is…

This paper describes a treatment modality for the seriously disturbed adolescent involving simultaneous family and adolescent group therapy. This model of treatment is based on the premise that the disturbed adolescent is the symptom bearer for both marital and family pathology. Another important theory underlying the treatment modality is that…

This paper describes the Parent Effectiveness Training (PET) Program and points out its specific implications for foster parents. The role of a foster parent is extremely difficult, and there is a need for training foster parents to become more effective which, in turn, will have positive effects upon foster children. The PET program, developed in…

Child abuse and accompanying parental psychiatric problems are discussed, and various diagnostic and treatment programs are examined, including parent aides, Parents Anonymous (PA), and crisis nurseries. (LH)

The idea of a dramatic rise in child abuse is one of the main myths which clouds the clear perception and understanding of the problem of child abuse and neglect in America. This paper will address this and other "myths" in order to clarify the issue of child abuse. (Author)

The biggest social change seen during the 1960s and 1970s has been the increase in working mothers. This is not necessarily a threat to family unity, but requires a changed view of the family. Suggestions are a national day care policy, equal pay for women, and more equitable welfare programs. available from Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota…

Until government policy puts greater emphasis on changing the social and economic factors that contribute so massively to family problems, our social programs will remain directed at healing wounds, not preventing them. More resources of money and authority are needed to strengthen parents' abilities to do their jobs. (Author/EB)

Based on data collected to measure work values and perceptions of problems by married women, aged twenty to thirty-four, in the dual role of homemaker and clerical employee, the author presents findings from analyses of the relationships among work values, demographic and biographical variables, and problem perceptions. (MF)

Only children and their parents are victims of stereotyping and criticism. As a result, potential parents and parents of one child have questioned whether having a single child is a desirable alternative. The authors examine positive and negative consequences of the one-child family for the child and parents. (Author)