Joe H. Brown

Understanding divorce stress on children: Implications for research and practice

Abstract This paper considers factors that make children “at risk” for postdivorce maladjustment. The risk factors include (a) demographic variables of sex, age and socioeconomic status; (b) predivorce family functioning; (c) postdivorce relationship with the ex-spouse; (d) postdivorce parentchild interaction; and (e) social support systems. Treatment programs incorporating these factors are briefly described. Recommendations are provided for the clinician and researcher.

The Divorce Adjustment Inventory-Revised

Abstract The newly revised Divorce Adjustment Inventory (DAI-R) is validated across two samples of divorced families. The DAI-R is a parent report instrument that assesses child adjustment and family functioning after separation. This inventory is a 42-item, empirically derived instrument that was found to be predictive of different criterion measures of child adjustment and family functioning. Five patterns of divorce were identified in a factor analysis. The five factors did not correlate with each other. Scales were developed based on each factor and found to have internal consistency, with Cronbach alphas ranging from .65 to .84. The construct validity of the inventory was established with separate measures of family functioning and child adjustment in each sample: the McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD), the Bloom Family Assessment Scale (FAS), the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Parent Evaluation Form (PEF). Significant correlations were found between DAI-R factors and the above measures. Implications for the early detection and treatment of divorce maladjustment and for divorce adjustment programs are noted along with recommendations for future research. The relation of the identified factors with current conceptual models in the field is also discussed.

Assessing Custodial Mother Adjustment to Divorce

Abstract This study assesses divorce adjustment of custodial mothers. Measures designed to assess psychological functioning of the custodial mother and family functioning are employed. Fifty-six custodial mothers completed the assessment measures. The results indicate that custodial mothers who report healthier levels of overall family functioning on the Divorce Adjustment Inventory-Revised (DAI-R), demonstrate healthier levels of psychological functioning as assessed by the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) than custodial mothers who report lower levels of overall family functioning. In addition, divorce education (Families in Transition) participants had better family conflict and resolution skills, more favorable divorce conditions, and a more positive view of the divorce transition at the end of the program than did nonparticipants (DAI-R scale scores). Overall, these results provide a baseline for reported symptomatology among divorced women, confirm the efficacy of a divorce education program in reducing psychological symptoms, and support the use of the Divorce Adjustment Inventory-Revised in assessing postdivorce family functioning.

RETHINKING WHAT IT MEANS TO SPECIALIZE IN MFT AT THE MASTER'S LEVEL

There has been an increase in specialization programs that offer an introduction to marital and family therapy at the masters level. These programs are often referred to as major, minor, track, sequence, or area of emphasis. They typically consist of one or two theory/overview courses housed within a traditional counseling/therapy department. This paper discusses some of the problems with this model and then offers an alternative that attempts to improve conceptual integration and skill development. The alternative model discussed is an interdisciplinary three-course sequence in family assessment concepts and skills. Course descriptions and objectives are provided and discussed.

The Effects of Student Self-Control on the Reduction of Children's Problem Behaviors

Five elementary regular classroom students (9 and 10 years old) showed moderate reductions in disruptive behavior when rules were introduced, little or no improvement with a teacher-administered point system, further reductions in disruptive behavior when self-rating with bonus points for matching the teachers rating was introduced, and deterioration when returned to the simple teacher-administered point system is ineffective or when social consequences for accurate rating cannot be given frequently.

A Parent Group Training Program for Single Parents.

Abstract This article outlines a group training program in parenting skills for single parents that emphasizes parent-child communication, child management, and problem-solving skills.

Assessing Children's Adjustment to Divorce Stress

Abstract This study examines die relative contribution of the Divorce Adjustment Inventory-Revised (DAI-R) on childrens divorce adjustment with a clinical and non-clinical sample of 162 children. The DAI-R scales and total scores were correlated with standardized instruments of child adjustment, self-esteem, and family process. Parent report measures of child adjustment and family functioning, and self-report measures completed by children of adjustment and self-esteem were employed in the design of the study. Results of this study indicate that the DAI-R scales, Family Conflict and Dysfunction, Favorable Divorce Conditions and Child Coping Ability, Positive Divorce Resolution, External Support Systems, and Divorce Transition are internally consistent and related to criterion measures in this study. Overall, the significant correlations between the DAI-R total score and its factors with General Family Functioning of the Family Assessment Device (FAD), the Louisville Behavior Checklist (LBC), the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and Harters Self-Perception Profile for Children (PCSC), suggest that this instrument is notably sensitive to family functioning and child adjustment, particularly during times of divorce. One scale was found to be particularly sensitive to treatment. Implications for theory and practice are advanced in the context of psychological assessment.