David C. Ivey

Fusing Horizons: Exploring Qualitative Research and Psychotherapeutic Applications of Social Constructionism

This article describes how social constructionist theory can be applied to the processes of data collection and analysis in qualitative research. In doing so, we borrow from previous discussions of social constructionism within the psychotherapeutic literature. Social constructionist theory, particularly the idea of a “not-knowing” stance, addresses the methodological concern of validity. Furthermore, because a “not-knowing” stance entails a leveling of the hierarchy and minimizing of the power differential between researcher and participant, there is also the potential for turning the research process into an freeing experience for both the researcher and participant.

THE ASSESSMENT OF MARITAL ADJUSTMENT WITH CHINESE POPULATIONS: A STUDY OF THE PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE DYADIC ADJUSTMENT SCALE

This article presents findings from a study of the psychometric properties of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) with 63 Chinese-Americans. The analysis revealed high internal consistency for DAS scores. Coefficient alpha for the total DAS score was r = .93. Convergent validity was established with the Locke-Wallis Marital Adjustment Scale (LWMAT) (r = .87) and divergent validity by evidence of an inverse relationship with the Marital Disaffection Scale (MDS) (r = −.79). Correlations with each measure were found to be (p = 0.01). The result of factor analysis fail to support the presence of four separate subscales. Results show that the global DAS score is of potential utility with Asian samples.

Integrating Spirituality into Training: The Spiritual Issues in Supervision Scale

This paper reports findings from a study of the psychometric properties of a newly developed measure, the Spiritual Issues in Supervision Scale (SISS). The instrument was originally conceived in response to the growing need within the helping professions to understand the role of spirituality within clinical practice and supervision. While evidence supporting the internal consistency of the measure was obtained through a preliminary study, the present investigation provides a more detailed examination of the measure. Results reflect that the instrument in addition to being reliable, measures four dimensions of supervision that related to spirituality. Based on the findings of this study, conclusions are provided pertaining to the potential utility of the instrument.

PROBLEM DEFINITION IN MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

This paper describes findings from a grounded theory study on the process of constructing problem definitions by marital and family therapists. Coding of the observations and interviews resulted in two meta-problem definition processes. In the first meta-process clinicians kept their definitions internal to themselves during the therapy session. In contrast, the second meta-definition process involved clinicians bringing forth their internal problem definitions and incorporating them into the therapeutic conversation. Implications for existing conceptualizations and marital and family therapy practice and supervision are discussed, as well as suggestions for further consideration.

A contextual perspective of clinical judgement in couples and family therapy: is the bridge too far?

This paper reviews the clinical judgement literature and discusses its applicability to the practice of couples and family therapy. Key findings and conceptual foundations are highlighted. A contextual perspective is advocated to guide future investigations and to enhance the generalizability of the literature to the real-life experiences of therapists. Suggestions for theory development and future research are provided.

Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Perceived Relationship Safety as Predictors of Dyadic Adjustment: A Test of Mediation and Moderation

The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive value of PTSD symptoms and perceived relationship safety on dyadic adjustment. Participants included 390 individuals who were in a committed romantic relationship. Data were gathered from two populations; clients of a university-based family therapy clinic (n = 132), and community respondents to an announcement on a large universitys electronic bulletin board (n = 258). Structural equation modeling was used to test a model of mediation, as well as multiple group analysis to test for moderation by setting (clinical vs. community) and gender. Results indicated that perceived relationship safety fully mediated the relationship between PTSD symptoms and dyadic adjustment. Gender moderated the relationships in the model, but no differences were found between the clinical and community samples. Findings suggest the importance of addressing experiences of safety and security in relationships, as these may be of particular importance for those who have experienced trauma.

Relational Diagnosis: Potential Advantages and Drawbacks Associated with a Universal System for the Classification of Couple and Family Difficulties

This article discusses the potential utility and difficulties presented by the development of a universal relational diagnostic system (RDS). The history and current status of diagnostic concepts within the general mental health field are reviewed to provide a context for discussing the range of factors involved in the RDS movement and to highlight the practical and conceptual implications from such a system. Considerations and recommendations are provided to enhance the utility and compatibility of the RDS with contemporary clinical and counseling practice.

Neutrality And Feminist Perspective: Can They Co-Exist In Family Therapy?

An argument is forwarded for the integration of feminist and systemic perspectives, specifically focusing on neutrality. The position taken is that both feminist principles and systemic practice have indispensable merits when applied to relationship-oriented therapy. Issues of abuse in family therapy are presented by promotion of a view that judgment against the abuser and a neutral investigative process can both be achieved. A neutral stance and circularity contribute to process maps, hypothesis generation, and gaining influence with all family members. Cecchins updated perspective of neutrality as curiosity about multiple perspectives is emphasized. A case example demonstrates integration of neutrality and a feminist perspective.

The role of natural disaster in individual and relational adjustment in Sri Lankan mothers following the 2004 tsunami

The purpose of this study is to examine the associations between maternal mental health distress symptoms, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, the extent to which the presence of a childs disaster-related physical health problem(s) have interfered with daily functioning, and family cohesion over time among Sri Lankan mothers who survived the tsunami on 26 December 2004. Study variables were measured using a self-report questionnaire administered approximately four months after the event and three years later in summer 2008. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted. Path analysis was employed to assess the relationships between the key variables over time and the correlations in the study variables at each time point. Among other findings, the results of the path analysis indicated that post-traumatic stress symptom distress four months after the disaster significantly predicted variance in family cohesion three years later. Clinical and empirical research implications are presented and discussed.

Gender and Violence in Dyadic Relationships

In responses to the questions of whether individual distress, severity of violence, and dyadic adjustment vary according the gender, we explored how gender and reported level of physical violence relate to relational and individual adjustment in males and females. Using data from a clinical sample of 604 adults, 2 × 3, between-subjects MANOVA indicated that when the respondent is the perpetrator of physical violence, ratings of individual and dyadic distress are significantly greater for cases classified as severely violent in comparison to no and mild violence cases. We also found that when the respondent is the victim of physical violence, females reported greater individual distress in comparison to males across all three levels of violence.