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Eating disorders (EDs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) often co-occur. However, not all providers that treat persons with an ED provide SUD treatment. Using the National Mental Health Services Survey, this study examined 1,387 ED treatment providers in the U.S. Facilities were categorized according to whether they provided SUD treatment. Differences based on facilities' profit status, available treatment settings, payment options, and treatment services were examined. Most ED facilities in the sample offered SUD treatment services (67.2%). Differences in proportions of the facility type, availability of outpatient treatment, sliding fee scale payment option, whether the facility had a program for individuals with co-occurring mental health and SUD, couples/family therapy, dual disorders treatment, and if the facility provided telemedicine/telehealth were identified. Although most facilities in this sample offered SUD services, more should be done to increase such facilities' capacity to provide treatment for co-occurring ED and SUD nationwide. Nearly 70% of all ED treatment facilities reported offering SUD treatment. Geographic disparities in these integrated services exist. Eighty-six percent of these facilities had outpatient treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined relationship quality of couples as a mediator between therapy progression and reduced individual distress in short-term systemic couple therapy. Participants evaluated relationship-quality (EVOS), therapy progress (STEP), and individual distress (OQ45) before therapy and one month after therapy. Clients' evaluation of the therapeutic process predicted a reduction of individual distress. Hierarchical mediation-analysis revealed that the effect was completely mediated by the change in the relationship quality over the course of the therapy. Results highlight the importance of relationship quality for each individual's health. Specifically in systemic couple therapy, improving relationship quality is the core ingredient that drives its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to test the hypothesis that marital communication moderates the relationship between marital conflict resolution (predictor) and marital satisfaction (criterion) after controlling for marital stability and sexual relationship among heterosexual married individuals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The results of the present study fully support the hypothesis that marital communication moderates the relationship between marital conflict resolution and marital satisfaction. Therefore, marriage counselors or other professionals working in marriage counseling must place a high priority on marital communication as an essential tool for marital conflict resolution and developing and maintaining a long-lasting satisfying marital relationship among married individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a profession, social work is concerned with the person in the social context; yet, interventions typically involve formal service provision while the informal network is rarely a focal point. This well-established approach has implications across all fields of social work practice, but perhaps nowhere more so than in the alcohol and other drug treatment and child welfare sectors, as both support socially isolated individuals and families. This article discusses the Mirror Families™ pilot, an innovation in practice introduced to assist women exiting residential treatment create a supportive and enduring social network for themselves and their children. Initial findings indicate the program was effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to investigate whether each coping style used by Vietnamese people living with infertility diagnosis is associated with specific types of infertility-related stress (IRS). In this cross-sectional design study, 997 patients with primary infertility diagnosis from three hospitals and two clinics in three regions of Vietnam completed questionnaire that consisted of Fertility Problem Inventory, the Copenhagen Multi-Centre Psychosocial Infertility and other questions. Four different linear regression analyses were performed on four coping styles. The five types of IRS and covariates were included in these models. The results show that participants who experience all five types of IRS reported the dominant use of active-avoidance coping, while having four types of IRS, except for social concern, was associated with higher use of meaning-based coping. Utilising active-confronting coping was reported to be the outcome of experiencing increasing need for parenthood and decreasing rejection of child-free lifestyle. Choice of passive-avoidance coping was more common among those with increasing social concern and need for parenthood. Age and educational level impacted infertile people's choice of avoidance coping strategies. The results provide evidence to understand the direct impact of each type of IRS on infertile people's choice of coping styles to better support them during their individual and family therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couples therapy is an effective intervention for relationship problems. Despite the growing need and interest in online couples therapy during the pandemic, there is a dearth of outcome and/or process research. The current study applies the Hermeneutic Single Case Efficacy Design (HSCED) to examine the effectiveness of couples therapy across 24 weeks of treatment with a young couple who had to stay apart during the pandemic. A rich case record consisting of quantitative measures, change interviews and a case file was gathered. Based on the information, the authors developed opposing (affirmative and skeptic) arguments regarding whether the client changed over therapy and whether therapy was responsible for these changes. The results showed some improvement in the couple's relationship attributes, attachment behaviors as well as presenting problems. The couple attributed most change to the therapy process and the relationship that they have with their therapist. It appeared that the change took place over the first 16 sessions, and together with extra-therapeutic factors, online couples therapy appeared to contribute to this change. The complex, nonlinear, and multi-layered nature of change in couples therapy was discussed in terms of clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outcomes for a wide range of physical and mental health conditions can be influenced by the level of criticism and warmth in the family environment known in the literature as Expressed Emotion (EE). This finding is also true for individuals with an At-Risk Mental State (ARMS) for psychosis with individual's perceptions of EE predicting transition to psychosis. While the original concept of EE incorporates both positive and negative aspects of relationships, most measures of EE and research focus on the negative aspects of relationships. Positive factors are also important and associated with improvements in functioning and reduced symptoms. However, the absence of a comprehensive, self-report measure of positive aspects of EE has hindered research in this area. This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of a new 10-item Service User Perceived Criticism and Warmth Questionnaire (SU-PCaW) based on the 2-item Perceived Criticism and 2-item Perceived Warmth questionnaires. The measure was quick and easy to administer and had high internal consistency and reliability. This measure would aid services in screening families for therapy, be helpful in evaluating family intervention in groups such as the ARMS population and a useful measure for future research developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about Couple/Marriage and Family Therapy (C/MFT) or Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) trainees with respect to their baseline perceptions about substance use and other systemically relevant therapeutic concepts integral to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Understanding trainee's baseline perceptions upon entering a SUD-focused training program may allow for directed tailoring of the training to meet student's educational needs in learning about how to work with families affected by SUD most effectively. To help address this gap, this study examined substance use perceptions of C/MFT and CMHC trainees upon initial enrollment in an opioid training program. Masters-level trainees completed a baseline survey assessing substance use/user perceptions, efficacy in working with substance-using clients, interprofessional collaboration, multicultural competency, and professional quality of life. Baseline data from n = 61 trainees were examined. Findings indicated substance use perceptions were related to trainee efficacy, multicultural competence, and professional quality of life. Further, there were group differences in drug perceptions based on previous substance use training and in trainee efficacy related to working with families affected by substance use, as well as and previous experience working with families affected by substance use. The current findings can inform development and refinement of substance use training within the behavioral health fields and develop the substance use workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to compare the differences between Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) student perceptions of (a) types of praise used by MFT supervisors, (b) MFT students' self-theory of intelligence, and (c) MFT students' continued development of skills. Four hypotheses were tested stating that different types of praise used by MFT supervisors would have a significant effect on MFT supervisees' development of skills. Two MANCOVAs were performed, which revealed that therapists praised for their efforts significantly continued to improve their professional skills, while others praised for their ability significantly reduced their efforts in upgrading clinical skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infidelity is a challenging but prominent issue in couple therapy. In addition to the negative outcomes, clinicians generally report that infidelity is the second most difficult problem to treat after intimate partner violence. The purpose of this study was to identify the recovery process in the betrayed (non-participating) partner. Specifically, we sought to identify the implications of online infidelity (infidelity that occurs through Internet modalities, such as social media messaging, direct messages, etc.) on the betrayed partner during recovery. Across three focus groups of those in dating relationships, we identified an eight-stage process through the lens of the betrayed partner: intuition, investigation, discovery, confrontation, response, forgiveness/limbo, termination, and new rules. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of the family talk intervention (FTI) and its acceptability to dependent children when a parent is cared for in palliative home care. The main goal of FTI is to increase family communication about the illness. The present paper derives from a pilot study and is based on 25 children's reports, involving both questionnaires and interviews, after participation. A majority of the children appreciated the structure and content of FTI. They felt seen, heard, and acknowledged by the interventionists and recommended FTI to other children in similar situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored counsellors' experiences with online therapy during the COVID-19 crisis, which presented an opportunity to examine how counsellors evaluated the drawbacks, benefits, and appropriateness of online therapy. Data collected through surveys from 114 professional counsellors, school counsellors, addiction counsellors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists in the United States were analysed. Results indicated the level of preparation for online therapy varied. The process was heavily impacted by technical functionality and perceived as more effective face-to-face. Counsellors found clients disengaged and distracted rather than comfortable and open. The effectiveness of online therapy was more strongly associated with client characteristics and treatment approaches than with diagnoses and treatment goals. Interpretations, clinical implications, and further research recommendations are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate intervention fidelity and explore participants' experiences and potential outcomes after participating in the intervention. Using a pretest post-test pilot study, 10 parentally bereaved families completed the three-session manual-based intervention with a family therapist. Sessions were audio-recorded. Therapists completed an adherence checklist to assess fidelity. Assessments via questionnaires and interviews occurred at one month post-intervention and via questionnaires at baseline and six months post-intervention. This study showed a high level of fidelity. The study shows preliminary evidence of the intervention's capacity to improve communication and relationships in parentally bereaved families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of family-based treatment (FBT) in outpatient settings has led to efforts to incorporate FBT principles into higher levels of care. The present study examined predictors of improvement in an FBT-based partial hospitalization program/intensive outpatient program (PHP/IOP) as measured by the Eating Disorder Examination–Questionnaire. Participants were 113 patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) or eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) consecutively participating in an FBT-based PHP/IOP. Multilevel modeling was used to investigate predictors for adolescents and young adults separately. Predictors considered included illness duration, previous hospitalization, hospitalization immediately prior to treatment, previous outpatient therapy, hospitalization during treatment, diagnosis, gaining 4 pounds in 4 weeks, and family status as time-invariant variables. Time-varying variables considered included depression symptoms and mothers'/fathers' ratings of parental self-efficacy and expressed emotion. For adolescents, depression by time and diagnosis by time interactions were statistically significant. At all levels of depression, adolescent patients with AN demonstrated greater reductions in eating disorder symptoms compared to patients with EDNOS. For young adults, depression and gaining 4 pounds in 4 weeks were significant predictors. The relationships for young adults were curvilinear such that, while lower eating disorder symptoms were found during treatment, these gains were not maintained at follow up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Materialism is a value that reflects the principle that possessions are imperative in people's lives. Relational satisfaction is a partner's subjective assessment of a relationship. Prior literature has documented the negative relationship between materialism and life satisfaction. Method: The research question asks, if there an impact between living a materialistic lifestyle and relational satisfaction? Results: A hierarchical multiple regression found that materialist values are a statistically significant predictor of relational satisfaction. Discussion: MFTs can address materialistic tendencies within the couples that may be negatively influencing their relationship. Limitations, implications for clinical practice, and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated whether parental caregiving burden changed during adjunct multi-family therapy of adolescent anorexia nervosa and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) and whether caregiver burden at baseline and changes in caregiver burden during treatment were associated with treatment outcome. Twenty-four females, 13 to 16 years old, and their parents, participated in the study. Caregiver burden was measured with the Eating Disorders Symptom Impact Scale, by mothers (n = 23) and fathers (n = 22). Treatment outcome was measured by adolescent body mass index, level of global functioning and self-rated eating disorder symptoms by the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire 4.0. All patient outcomes improved and overall caregiver burden decreased significantly during treatment. When broken down in aspects of caregiver burden the decrease in parental perceived isolation, was found to be associated with improvement of BMI and Children's Global Assessment Scale. When analyzing fathers and mothers separately, we found that maternal feelings of guilt and paternal perceived burden of dysregulated behaviors at base-line were correlated to treatment outcome. Future studies are needed to clarify the role of caregiver burden as a potential mediator of treatment results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceptions of couple interdependence - partners' mutual identity - are a key construct in relationship research and couple and family therapy. There is a need for a self-report measure that includes cognitive, emotional, and behavioral facets associated with perceptions of partner's interdependence or we-ness, given its utility. The present study utilized data from 434 individuals to evaluate the psychometric properties of the We-ness Questionnaire, a multi-item self-report measure assessing perceptions of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral we-ness for individuals in a romantic relationship. Based on a sample of 434 individuals currently in a romantic relationship from the United States, the We-ness Questionnaire was found to have good reliability and showed appropriate convergent and discriminant validity. Implications for future research and couple and family therapy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental mental illness (PMI) is a public health issue associated with risks of negative outcomes for children and families. Effective whole family interventions with families with PMI are still not well implemented across mental health, social work and multi-agency workforces. This paper presents research with professionals trained in a new programme, the Think Family-Whole Family Programme, to strengthen family-focused work around PMI. It examines professionals' practice and understanding of PMI and identifies enablers of effective practice. Findings indicate that professionals having appropriate knowledge of how PMI can affect families and the confidence to address it are important factors enabling effective work with them. They also had concerns around how to discuss mental health due to issues of stigma and management support of whole-family work. Results indicate potential for training to achieve positive outcomes in improving professionals' knowledge and confidence and encouraging whole-family work around PMI. Possibilities and challenges for future work with families with PMI are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of Family Group Conference for promoting return to work by clients receiving work disability benefits from the Social Security Institute in the Netherlands. Methods: We conducted a mixed-method pre- post-intervention feasibility study, using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and return to work plans drafted in Family Group Conferences. A convenient sample of Labour experts, Clients, and Facilitators was followed for a period of six months. Feasibility outcomes were demand, acceptability, implementation and limited efficacy of perceived mental health and level of participation. Results: Fourteen labour experts and sixteen facilitators enrolled in the study. Of 28 eligible clients, nine (32%) participated in a Family Group Conference. About 78% of the Family Group Conferences were implemented as planned. Participant satisfaction about Family Group Conference was good (mean score 7). Perceived mental health and level of participation improved slightly during follow-up. Most actions in the return to work plans were work related. Most frequently chosen to take action was the participating client himself, supported by significant others in his or her social network. Six months after the Family Group Conference five participating clients returned to paid or voluntary work. Conclusions: Family Group Conference seems a feasible intervention to promote return to work by clients on work disability benefit. Involvement of the social network may have added value to support the clients in this process. An effectiveness study to further develop and test Family Group Conferences is recommended. Family Group Conference may represent a promising approach to be used in activation strategies to enhance social inclusion and return to work of persons receiving disability benefits. Conventional supply-oriented activation services could be improved by providing the Family Group Conference to unemployed persons on disability benefit. Involvement of the social network may have added value for return to work of clients receiving work disability benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to explain Existential Humanistic Therapy with Iranian Couples and its Effect on Meaning of Life and Love Attitudes. The population consists of all married couples who have referred to counseling centers, whom 20 couples have been sampled randomly. The sample received psychotherapy training in thirteen sessions. After collecting questionnaires, the results were analyzed by MANOVA multi-variance analysis. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of existential psychotherapy on the participants' attitude toward meaning in life. The results show that the couples who received existential therapies search more efficiently for meaning in life and try to improve their love attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of problem-solving based family therapy on the emotional intimacy and marital quality of cultural couples in Tabriz. The research method was quasi-experimental by designing the pretest and post-test with the experimental group. The statistical population of this research consisted of all cultural couples with marital problems referring to counseling centers of Tabriz Education in 2019. The research sample based on The Cochran formula consisted of 32 couples that were selected by purposeful sampling and were randomly assigned into two experimental and control groups. The experimental group was exposed to 10 sessions of problem-solving based family therapy and the control group received no interventions. The research tool was the Marital Quality Index and the Intimacy Questionnaire, which was completed by both groups at the beginning and end of the intervention. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software and inferential statistics of covariance analysis were also investigated. The results of covariance analysis showed that problem-solving based family therapy had a significant impact on the emotional intimacy and marital quality of cultural couples. Therefore, problem-solving based family therapy can be used as a treatment in couples with marital problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve access to and utilization of high-quality children's mental health services, there have been considerable efforts to disseminate evidence-based treatments (EBTs) into community-based settings. However, these efforts have not always led to successful use of interventions overtime, and further understanding of how organizational and individual factors may serve as barriers to the implementation process is needed. To help measure implementation and sustainability success in a sample of 118 community-based mental health providers, a 70-item electronic survey was developed to query participant's experiences with EBT implementation post-training. Results of hierarchical regression analysis suggest that more positive attitudes toward evidence-based practices, the provision of agency incentives, and more intensive training of the intervention increase the likelihood of EBT sustainability, while more positive attitudes toward evidence-based practice and more intensive training increase the likelihood that strategies to help promote protocol fidelity are used. Results contribute to the growing implementation literature in mental health. Post-training consultation may help increase a provider's ability to manage organizational barriers inherent to providing EBTs within community-based settings. Provision of agency incentives, such as praise and financial compensation, as well as helping promote trainee's positive attitudes toward EBTs, may also help increase likelihood of implementation success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is commonly used in the treatment of eating disorders (ED), yet few studies have examined the utility of DBT skills groups as an adjunct to evidence-based therapy for ED. Thus, we sought to examine the preliminary efficacy of a DBT skills group as an adjunct to Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for adolescent restrictive ED. Our preliminary pilot study included 18 adolescent girls ages 13–18 (M= 15.3, SD = 1.64) with restrictive ED, including Anorexia Nervosa (AN; N = 10), Atypical Anorexia Nervosa (AAN, N = 5), and Other Specific Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED; N = 3). All participants were enrolled in a 6-month, weekly DBT skills group and were concurrently receiving family-based treatment (FBT). Participants who completed the intervention experienced large effect sizes for increases in adaptive skills (Cohen's d =.71) and decreases in general dysfunctional coping strategies (Cohen's d =.85); and small to medium effect sizes for decreases in binge eating (Cohen's d =.40) and increases in percent expected body weight (% EBW; Cohen's d =.32). Finally, small effect sizes were evidenced in decreases in Global EDE-Q scores (Cohen's d =.26), EDE-Q restraint (Cohen's d =.29) and CDI scores (Cohen's d =.28). Our study presents promising preliminary data suggesting that adolescents with restrictive EDs receiving FBT could benefit from an adjunctive DBT skills group. Feasibility of and considerations for tailoring a DBT skills group to an outpatient ED treatment program are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current evidence strongly supports the implementation of family interventions as a recognised approach to working with families. The aim of this study was to evaluate postgraduate students' learning experiences and skills development whilst undertaking a Master of Science module in family interventions. Questionnaires were used to elicit students' learning and experiences in relation to their work with families. Following analysis of students' responses, the key themes that emerged in relation to family interventions included: prior learning and experiences, changes in practice, skills development, supports in practice, and course strengths and challenges. Participants particularly valued the simulated learning and reflective elements of the module. The results of the study suggest that more staff should have access to education and training to enable practitioners to work more effectively with families. However, they will need to have support mechanisms in practice to effectively implement family interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This is the first pilot study to examine the Australian adaptation of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP), a manualised family intervention recommended internationally in evidence reviews to improve family functioning and child mental health. The study compared two versions (8 vs. 14‐session) and longitudinally evaluated outcomes for child emotional and behavioural difficulties, and parental psychological distress. Method: Fifty‐eight families from disadvantaged primary schools in regional Victoria with children 8–12 years (80.6% of initially enrolled families, 62 parents and 74 children) completed the program and evaluation measures. Measures were repeated at pre‐, post‐, and 3‐month follow‐up and included the Kessler 6, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and subscales adapted from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children and Communities that Care Youth Survey. Results: The program showed significant reductions in child difficulties and parental psychological distress from pre‐ to post‐measurements that were sustained at follow‐up. Reductions in parental psychological distress were significantly associated with reductions in child difficulties at follow‐up. The 8‐ and 14‐session formats were not found to be significantly different in reducing child difficulties or parental psychological distress. Effect sizes for the Australian version were similar to those reported in previous U.S. trials. Conclusions: Findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of an Australian adaptation of the SFP. The current study is unique in identifying similar outcomes for shorter and longer versions of the intervention. It is recommended that the 8‐session Australian version is examined in a larger randomised controlled trial where children present with behavioural and emotional problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple family groups (MFG) have shown to have promising results for children with behavioral difficulties. The 4Rs and 2Ss is a curriculum-based multiple family group model for families of children with disruptive behavior disorders, who live in poverty-impacted communities. This study aimed to explore group processes and caregiver perceptions of the benefits of participating in the 4Rs and 2Ss MFG. Caregivers participating in the MFG were asked to complete a 29- item questionnaire which collected information about the perceived benefits of the MFG upon Yalom's therapeutic factors, including group cohesion, universality, interpersonal learning, guidance, catharsis- and self-understanding. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25, and descriptive statistics were performed for each sub-scale. Responses of open-ended questions were reviewed and coded by two of the authors. Thirty-two caregivers completed the survey. Results indicated that the MFG offered multiple benefits that align with Yalom's therapeutic factors, such as creating a sense of universality, catharsis, group cohesion, and interpersonal learning. Future research is needed to determine whether such therapeutic factors are associated with changes in child outcomes and family functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burnout is a significant challenge for helping professionals, and several unique factors make MFTs in agency settings particularly vulnerable to experiencing burnout. We identified key factors from the existing literature related to MFTs' experiences of burnout in agency settings. To provide an updated snapshot of this phenomenon, we also surveyed 140 MFTs using the Counselor Burnout Inventory. Based on the accumulated evidence and our supplementary findings, we propose three categories of strategies for MFTs in agency settings to prevent and cope with burnout. Given that identifying burnout and finding effective remedies require not an either/or but rather a both/and solution, we also discuss how supervisors, training programs, and agencies can help clinicians manage and confront this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the discourse regarding social care practice focuses on the differences between the various professions, practice fields, geographical, and organizational contexts involved in the provision of social care. This study surveyed Australian social care practitioners' (N = 438) perceptions of influence on their practice and what similarities and differences existed in these perceptions. Eighteen influential factors were identified with minimal differences across the participants' profession, practice field, organizational sector, or geographical context. These findings suggest that a common ground of experience exists that can be used as a basis for critical discussions and interdisciplinary practice and, thereby, provide a foundation for more consistent and integrated service delivery and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined whether trait anxiety mediated the relationships between family patterns (differentiation of self) and quality of life. 620 Israeli students, filled out differentiation of self (DoS), trait anxiety, and quality of life questionnaires. Trait anxiety mediated the relationships between DoS and quality of life dimensions. Findings extend our understanding of the role of differentiation of self for improving quality of life when dealing with the challenges of patients suffering from high levels of anxiety. It is strongly recommended that family therapists who wish to help reduce trait anxiety and enhance quality of life should relate to specific family and parenting patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual abuse by a perpetrator outside of the family is the most prevalent form of child sexual abuse. It is associated with serious consequences for both the child and his family. Surprisingly, however, the issue of extra-familial sexual abuse has received very little research and clinical attention. The purpose of the current study was to explore the effectiveness of Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), which uses nondirective play therapy tools, among parents of extra-familial abused children and their parents. In order to do so, data was collected from 51 parents who participated in CPRT, at three points in time: pretreatment stage, at the beginning of the first meeting; and in the post treatment stage. The data included the parents' reports via three questionnaires: Parenting Stress Inventory (PSI), Compassion Fatigue Self-Test (CFST), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Overall, the results indicated a decrease in internalizing and externalizing symptoms among the children, as well as in parenting stress and in parental secondary trauma symptoms. This study contributes to the literature on interventions with victims of extra-familial child abuse and their parents. Specifically, the results highlight the benefits and importance of involving both parents and children in therapeutic interventions for victims of extra-familial child sexual abuse, with particular emphasis on the benefits of Child-Parent Relationship Therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ensure close adherence to the contents of a family-based cognitive-behavioural programme, and maintain a high standard of quality in its implementation, it is important that practitioners’ attitudes and beliefs regarding family skills coincide with those of the programme. This paper describes and analyses (observed) potential changes in these beliefs, after training courses held prior to the application of a prevention programme for families: the Family Competence Programme. A questionnaire was devised to examine practitioners’ beliefs regarding family skills; and completed both before and after the training course. The results point to significant changes in family dynamics, realistic expectations and active listening. Thus, it can be demonstrated that preliminary training courses promote practitioner attitudes and beliefs which are more coherent with a subsequent programme’s approach. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A relationship enrichment program involves family therapy with psychosocial training to improve relationship skills. This study was conducted to determine the effect of a couples' relationship enrichment program on marital relationship quality. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2016 with 80 spouses of patients, all members of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center in Zahedan, Iran. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention and a control group, each of which comprised 40 participants. The Perceived Relationship Quality Components questionnaire was used to collect the required data. After five-session couples' relationship enrichment program, the mean total marital relationship quality score and all the subscale scores except the love subscale score in the intervention group were significantly greater than those in the control group. Application of the program is recommended to increase the quality of marital relationships for spouses of patients with MS, as they are the most important sources of support for patients with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little information is available on the effect of parent-child relationships on self-perception among Chinese children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Hong Kong. This study examined the impact of children’s age and symptom severity on the linkage of quality parent-child relationships to perceived competence/hope among children with ADHD. A clinical sample of 81 school-age children (ages 5–11, mean age = 8.38) who were diagnosed with ADHD were recruited in this study. Separate questionnaires were employed to collect data among children and their parents in the pre-treatment phase. Parent-child relationships were positively correlated with self-perception of children with ADHD, with physical competence to be father-child specific. Children’s age had moderated the correlation between mother-child relationship and children’s hope. Maternal role on children’s hope was significant for the mild symptom group; paternal role on children’s hope was significant for the severe symptom group. No moderation effect was found for symptom severity on the correlation between parent-child relationship and children’s self-perception. The study’s findings helped mental health professionals in a Chinese context to develop psychosocial interventions to foster quality parent-child relationships, which in turn will maintain children’s self-perception. Implications for social work practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Emerging technology adoption poses new challenges and opportunities to families and clinicians. Research that explores clinicians’ understanding and use of information-communication technologies; however, is still scarce. Our study, a replication of a cross-national study in four countries (Canada, Mexico, Spain, and the United States), investigated the relationship among clinicians’ use of and attitudes toward emerging technologies and their beliefs about technology’s impact on families in Turkey. We further inquired the relationship of two factors: the impact of emerging technology on the clinicians’ own families and the impact of cultural values on the attitudes toward technology use. The Turkish version of the modified Emerging Technologies and Families Survey was administered to family clinicians. The analytical strategy included a comparison of the data we collected in Turkey (n = 97) and the raw data from the original study (n = 258). We found significant cross-national differences in clinicians’ use of and attitudes toward information-communication technologies, and their assessments of families’ struggles with emerging technology. We analyzed the data vis-a-vis cultural differences and gave a special emphasis on implications for enhancing clinical practice.Emerging technologies challenge families’ and family therapists’ assumptions about healthy family processes; attention to the self of the therapist at the intersection of cultural values is core in a sound assessment of families adopting emerging technologies.Cultural humility and a curious stance may counteract the pervasive negative discourse about emerging technology adoption.Empowering parents and couples to put technology in “its place” may ease the negative impact and enhance the positive influence of these technologies on families. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Family plays an important role in health and illness, and preparing the nurses to assess and improve the family functioning and relationship based on a theoretical framework is of critical importance. This randomized controlled trial was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of Bowen system theory on marital conflict in the family nursing practice. A total of 42 couples referring to the family court of Shiraz, Iran were randomly assigned to either the intervention (receiving eight 90-minute sessions of Bowen systemic family therapy) or the control group (receiving no interventions). Outcomes were measured before, after and after one month of the follow up by marital conflict questionnaire and analyzed using repeated measure ANOVAs and t-test. The study results revealed no statistically significant differences between the study groups regarding the total marital conflict scores (t= 2.8,p= .935) or any of the seven subscales of conflict before the intervention (p> .05). However, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in this regard immediately and one month after the intervention (p< .05). The results demonstrated a significant difference between the intervention and control groups regarding the conflict scores and its subscales during the three study periods and groups (F= 79.43,p< .001). This study highlighted the importance of applying Bowen systemic family therapy by nurses in decreasing marital conflicts. Similar studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are recommended to be conducted on the issue. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Researchers performed an exploratory factor analysis on the Attitudes Toward Erotica Questionnaire (ATEQ) and examined the construct and concurrent validity of the ATEQ data with a sample of practicing counselors and marriage and family therapists in the state of Florida (N = 373). The data analyses resulted in a two-factor, 10-item assessment (72.93% of the variance explained). The two factors of the ATEQ measured attitudes supporting the restriction of pornography and beliefs that pornography is exploitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: During the past 20 years, cannabis consumption among adolescents has dramatically increased. In France, over 300 outpatient treatment centres caring for youngsters with cannabis abuse diagnoses were created. For this study, five European countries participated in a randomised controlled trial on adolescents with cannabis addiction. The goal was to compare a Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) to what was usually done in these five countries (“Treatment As Usual (TAU)”). In France, clinical practices are heterogeneous; therefore, the French TAU had to be formalised. French researchers compared MDFT to a formalised TAU and non-formalised one. The aim of this article is to present the interest of formalising therapeutic French practices.Methods: The efficacy of formalised versus unformalised therapy was assessed using two criteria: decrease of cannabis use over a one-year period measured by Adolescent Diagnostic Interview-light (ADI-light) and by Time Line Follow BACK (TLFB).Findings: Results show that the formalised therapy is more effective in preventing cannabis abuse than non-formalised therapy. At 12 months, this difference is statistically significant (TLFB:p < 0.05).Conclusion: The formalisation of explicit TAU has strengthened the therapist’s involvement in the therapeutic process. This study presents experimental results which demonstrate that formalisation and supervision increased therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of adolescents suffering from cannabis abuse or dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A questionnaire and in-depth interviews with 20 allied health clinicians generated data on key aspects of family-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa that enhance recovery, processes that engage parents in treatment, and how and why clinicians modify or adapt the manualized Maudsley Family Based Treatment model. Findings indicate that clinicians support key principles in the Maudsley model, but that the approach is not implemented in the full, manualized form. Rather, aspects are integrated with clinicians’ own clinical judgements based on assessment of the needs and capacities of families, cultural appropriateness, impact on family dynamics, and gains during early treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Despite studies claiming Adjustment Disorders (AD) affect up to 10% of the general population, research is severely lacking for effective treatment recommendations and screening tools. This article presents the treatment of a 30-year old Caucasian male diagnosed with AD - mixed anxiety and depression subtype. After 12 standard 60-minute sessions, treatment using a Symbolic-Experiential Family Therapy (SEFT) approach resulted in the alleviation of depression and anxiety symptoms. This case study provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of SEFT using a mixed methods case study. Implications for further study, and the usefulness of SEFT for the treatment of AD, is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of relationship dissatisfaction among Australian women during the first year after childbirth and to uncover factors affecting their relationships. Postnatal women who had given birth during the previous 12 months were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online study. A comprehensive, multisection questionnaire, as well as the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Patient Health Questionnaire - 8 (PHQ-8), were used to collect data. Responses were analyzed using SPSS for Windows. Results showed that 37.2% of the participants experienced relationship dissatisfaction. Results of the multiple logistic regression revealed that the following were significant risk factors for relationship dissatisfaction during the first postpartum year: annual income of less than AU$50,000, sexual dysfunction, and a clinical diagnosis of depression and having symptoms of depression according to the PHQ-8 scores (p < 0.05). Compared to women in a heterosexual relationship, women who were in a same-sex relationship were less likely to have relationship dissatisfaction. In addition, in the period six to 12 months postpartum, women were less likely to have relationship dissatisfaction compared to the period 5 months or less postpartum (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Family psychoeducation (FPE), an intervention for those experiencing serious mental illness and their families, aims to improve communication and build problem-solving skills. Limited research exists on carers' and consumers' needs who engage in FPE, or FPE's impact on needs. Aims: This study aimed to describe the needs of consumers with mental illness and their carers, who participated in behavioural family therapy (BFT), a type of FPE, and evaluate changes to needs. Method: Qualitative responses to the Carers' and Users' Expectations of Services questionnaires were analysed to describe consumers' and carers' needs. Participants' quantitative responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, to evaluate changes in needs post-programme. Results: Participants' needs included information on mental illness and improved relationships. Post-programme, the percentage of consumers' satisfied with their lives increased, while the percentage of carers' reporting a need for more assistance decreased. Conclusions: Further development of BFT programmes in clinical and non-clinical services is warranted to address the needs of diverse consumers and carers living in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the implications for multigenerational family therapy of the changing attitudes toward older adults through a simulated aging exercise. The study discusses are the influence of simulated aging activity in one's attitudes toward older adults, empathy and improved knowledge about older adults, pro-social intentions of desire to help others, and level of satisfaction with life.

This article presents the preliminary outcomes of a 6-month, in-home trauma-adapted neglect prevention program intended to reduce trauma-related risk factors in families and increase caregiver, child, and family well-being. Standardized measures were administered via a computer assisted self-interview (CASI) at intake and case closure. At the time of the analyses 72 caregivers and 105 children completed both an intake and closing CASI. Significant differences were found over time in the reduction of caregiver and child related post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptomatology. Outcomes in overall caregiver, child, and family well-being and safety significantly improved over time. Evidence suggests that trauma adaptation of the empirically supported neglect prevention program shows great promise in filling a service gap and in helping families who are chronically traumatized and struggling to meet their children's basic needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present exploratory study is an initial effort to understand marriage and family therapists’ perceptions regarding women’s depression and preferred treatments in the United States and six other countries—China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Iran, and the Philippines. With this aim, an online survey was completed by 87 U.S. therapists and 79 non-U.S. therapists. We analyzed the data through multiplet-tests for independent samples. Statistical comparisons of the responses indicated (a) U.S. therapists perceived it was more acceptable for women to talk about feeling depressed than non-U.S. therapists, (b) non-U.S. therapists perceived it was more frequent for women to present with somatic symptoms when depressed than U.S. therapists, (c) non-U.S. therapists reported using individual treatment for women’s depression more frequently than U.S. therapists, (d) U.S. therapists reported using couple or family therapy to treat women’s depression more frequently than non-U.S. therapists, and (e) U.S. therapists perceived husbands and male partners were open to participate in women’s therapy for depression more frequently than non-U.S. therapists. We discuss the clinical and research implications of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Few therapists test their assumptions about how they do therapy against what they actually do. The purpose of this article is to offer clinicians an evaluation method to assess adherence to their integrative theories of therapy, how their clients respond to their implementation of their theories, and their ability to make and track changes to theories of therapy during the process of evaluation. This method produces practice-based evidence. A case study example with three couples is used to describe the use of the method as implemented by the first author. Using the integrated model was found to influence ongoing sessions and cases in a number of ways that resulted in changes to the author’s integrated therapy model during the case study example. Discussion includes the use of the evaluation approach for therapists, limitations to using this approach, and suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Inequalities in the implementation of recommended psychological interventions for schizophrenia persist. Writing guidance in a particular style has been shown to improve service user intention to implement the recommendations. This current study explored this further in healthcare staff members. Aims: Can behaviourally specific and plain English language improve healthcare intentions to perform actions in line with guidance for schizophrenia. Method: An independent measure, single blind, randomised control trial. Guidance was written and disseminated in two formats, the 'original' and 'alternative'. Self-report measures were administered to assess the cognitive determents of behaviour as described by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, actual behaviour consistent with the guidance, comprehension and satisfaction with the guidance. Results: No significant results were found when comparing the original guidance to the alternative for the cognitive determinants of behaviour, actual behaviour, comprehension or satisfaction. Conclusions: Behaviourally specific and plain English language does not affect healthcare professionals' intentions or behaviour to implement recommended guidance for the provision of psychological interventions for schizophrenia. A more multi-factorial approach including organisational culture may be required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents’ representations include parents’ views of their adolescent, of their own parenting and of the parent–adolescent relationship. Two longitudinal studies of parents and their adolescent sons and daughters support the validity of scales coding mothers in the Parenting Representations Interview-Adolescence (PRI-A). The studies, conducted in Israel during the transition from home to military service, demonstrated that three dimensions derived from the PRI-A: positive representations of adolescents, negative emotionality and inadequate boundaries were associated with adolescents’ AAI variables, relatedness-autonomy behaviors with mothers, and with other indicators, such as adolescents’ wellbeing, romantic intimacy and individuation. Examining parenting representations could help practitioners pinpoint targets for intervention and evaluate the changes that families go through during psychotherapy, as well as the therapeutic process and its outcomes. The findings support the viability of the PRI for use in attachment based interventions for adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this preliminary study is to expand research on the effects of relational processes on depression treatment outcomes. We tested whether initiator tendency, attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and marital satisfaction predicted improvement in depression for women with Major Depressive Disorder enrolled in a depression treatment clinical trial (n = 17). We found that higher baseline levels of partner initiator tendency resulted in less change in depression (worse outcomes), regardless of treatment type; higher baseline levels of attachment avoidance predicted better depression outcomes in treatment. Initiator tendency is discussed as a critical romantic relationship factor for depression treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major challenge for clinicians and researchers is the heterogeneity of the severity and type of symptoms presented by sexually abused youth, including those who are subclinical on traditional clinical measures but still present to treatment. Most research continues to treat sexually abused youth as a single population and has not assessed the outcomes or symptom trajectories of various groups of sexually abused youth. Participants included 107 sexually abused children and their nonoffending parents presenting to a cognitive-behavioral group treatment. A cluster analysis using child- and parent-report measures revealed four profiles, including Subclinical, Highly Distressed, Problem Behaviors, and Self-Reported Distress clusters. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to create separate child- and parent-report models of weekly symptomatology to examine differential change over the course of treatment. Contrary to expectation, there was little variation in the weekly rates of change for the different symptom groups; however, all groups evidenced a decrease in symptoms over the course of treatment, including the Subclinical cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to the many outcome studies of Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS), little is known about the underlying personal and relational dynamics of family crisis interventions. This article focuses on the core evolving dynamics of the changing self-presentations of a parent involved in an intensive home-based family preservation case of alleged child maltreatment. Three key family intervention sessions were videotaped and transcribed including both verbal and nonverbal behavior. The Listening Guide Method – a theoretically flexible, qualitative, relationally oriented method of in-depth interpretative analysis – served as our guide for this case analysis. In the processes of change toward a jointly constructed meaningful narrative on responsibility and self-care, two key elements emerged as playing a pivotal role: (1) the momentum of a potential referral of children to out-of-home care that precedes the start of an IFPS intervention and (2) the rhizomatic or root-like intertwinement of the voices of both parent and therapist with respect to the rationale for any involvement of society in the family. We argue that discourses on imminent placement in the context of family preservation deserve a genuine and valuable position in the initial discourse of a family therapist when entering a family in the context of crisis intervention. Both in understanding and driving any processes of change, we may need to reconsider our own willingness to step into the blending interplay of discourse and counter-discourse with our clients on the subject of our often drastic intervention. Consequently, we may read this narrative analysis as an invitation to reflect on the conceptualization of ‘client readiness’ in psychotherapy and to shift our thinking on preconditions for therapy from a client's readiness toward a therapist's attentiveness to listen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]