Negative messages about the detrimental impacts of divorce on children prompted urgent calls in the United Kingdom for a reinstatement of traditional family values. Suggests that although the effects of divorce are real, care should be taken to avoid exaggeration, thus moving the debate to one centered on providing better support, advice, and…

Describes the Joint Family Holiday Drawing Technique, an auxiliary technique to be used with traditional talk therapy. The technique may be used as an assessment tool early in the counseling process or at a later stage. It is used as a springboard for further discussion and exploration in evaluating family function. (Contains 13 references.) (GCP)

Recently, sibling incest, a type of intrafamilial incest, has received notice from mental health professionals; however, many professionals still do not recognize the seriousness of the problem. This article reviews current research on the individual and family dynamics that allow sibling incest to occur, the effects of sibling incest on victims,…

Offers a presentation of creative nonfiction addressing the author's personal family experiences. Addresses ethical issues involved in creative nonfiction. Describes how she decided to narrate her history and contemplates in depth the artistic choices she made. (SG)

Examines the role of closeness in mediating young adults' stereotypes of older adults. Notes that young adults (college students less than 25 years old) consistently rate their closest grandparent more positively on exhibiting stereotypic behaviors and communicative ability than they do their least close grandparent. Concludes that although…

Used self-report diaries (N=38) and descriptive family care scenarios (N=30) to highlight behavioral, cognitive, and emotional components of family care and generate researchable questions surrounding the interplay of gender and expression of care. Results indicated, although family members held idealized notions of family care, their behaviors…

Interviewed 301 grandparents concerning their relationship with one grandchild. Findings revealed no differences in relationship associated with grandchild gender or with maternal/paternal grandparent status; nor were there significant interaction effects. Grandmothers expressed greater satisfaction than did grandfathers; grandfathers stressed…

This study of 60 male adolescents showed that assaultive offenders' family relations evidenced rigidity and low cohesion and peer relations evidenced aggression. Sex offenders and their mothers reported neurotic symptoms. Peer relations of sex offenders showed low levels of emotional bonding. (RJC)

Conceptualizes remarriage and adjustment to stepfamily living as life transition in family stress theory framework. Illustrates through case example use of Double ABCX model and model's strength in providing practitioner with assessment format, guide for interventions, and a basis for policy supporting stepfamilies. (Author/CM)

Reviews literature and resources available to family life educators to enhance relationships between grandparents and grandchildren and to strengthen extended family network. Discusses symbolic, indirect, and direct influences of grandparents and the effect on children of grandparental influence. (Author/CM)

Presents the Family Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation (Family FIRO) Model, an integration of small-group theory and family therapy. The model is offered as a framework for organizing family issues. Discusses three fundamental issues of human relatedness and their applicability to group dynamics. (Author/NB)

Conducted descriptive study in which 12 Black families shared their ideas about adoptive parenthood. Found most common reason for adopting was inability to have children biologically. Found need for post-adoptive services for Black families on an as-needed basis. Recommends adoption agencies and communities build on positive experiences of Black…

Used Family Life Space Diagram to compare relationship between human family members with the human-canine relationship. Subjects were 29 dog enthusiasts, 66 typical pet owners, and 27 elementary school students with dogs. Results suggest that individuals may perceive their relationship with their pet dog as being as close as their relationship…

Twelve books which touch upon family relationships are reviewed in this article. These books show how families can build positive relationships among their members in a variety of situations. Issues include self-concept, health, sibling rivalry, the generation gap, divorce, and death. (IAH)

Interviewed 100 terminally ill cancer patients to examine farewells made before the interview and those desired and planned but not yet completed. Most patients (81 percent) desired to farewell; most wanted farewell to occur late in course of their dying. Prominent in preferred styles of farewells were the gift, conversation, and letter.…