Karen H. Rosen

Using Bowen Theory to Enhance Understanding of the Intergenerational Transmission of Dating Violence

This study used Bowen theory to broaden our understanding of the intergenerational transmission of dating violence. A sample of single, never-married college students completed measures of violence perpetrated or received in their dating relationships, and measures of childhood violence and differentiation of self (a central component of Bowen theory). Using structural equation modeling, three models were compared: family-of-origin violence and current violence; differentiation levels (self and couple) and current violence; and then all variables combined. In the final model, couple differentiation accounted for the most variance in dating violence when controlling for family-of-origin violence. Furthermore, couple differentiation partially mediated the relationship between being the victim of parent-to-child violence and having low levels of differentiation and being a perpetrator or victim of dating violence. Findings support the notion that Bowens theory of intergenerational transmission adds to our understanding of the intergenerational transmission of violence.

Emotional Reactivity and Psychological Distress

A primary purpose of this article was to test part of Bowen’s intergenerational family systems theory. A secondary purpose was to provide further evidence for the construct validity of a newly developed instrument that assesses differentiation of self. Using Bowen’s family system theory, a model was developed that hypothesized both direct and indirect relationships between emotional reactivity toward parents, one aspect of Bowen’s differentiation-of-self construct, and psychological distress. The college-age respondents’ perceptions of their emotional reactivity toward their mothers but not toward their fathers was related to both stress and psychological distress. Stressful life events were also related to psychological distress; thus, there was an indirect relationship between emotional reactivity toward mother and psychological distress through stressful life events. These results are discussed in light of the results of previous workin this area.

Parents of Special Needs Children Mastering the Job of Parenting

The purpose of this investigation was to learn how parents master the job of parenting children with special needs. Through collaborative interviews using qualitative research methods, this study taps into the stories of five “veteran families” who reflect on the many challenges they faced from difficult beginnings to years of day-to-day struggles, and how they managed these challenges. Guidelines for family practitioners, based on the results, are discussed.

Therapist heal thyself : Countertransference and the treatment of a battered woman

The treatment of domestic violence by family therapists can be a technically and theoretically complicated task made even more complicated by the controversy that surrounds it. One aspect of treating battered women that is seldom discussed in the literature is the therapists countertransference reactions that can occur as therapist and client struggle with this complex problem. Yet, these personal reactions are quite common. This article presents guidelines for recognizing and using the countertransference reactions that may emerge during this work. A case example illustrates how the treatment can be affected as well as how these reactions can be managed and used in the therapeutic process.

Women Terminating Abusive Dating Relationships: A Qualitative Study

Dating violence, a serious social problem, has commanded much attention during the last decade. This study was conducted to enhance our understanding of complex relationship and individual processes that occur in dating relationships where abuse becomes a pattern. The experiences of 11 young women who left their abusive dating relationships were analyzed using the tenets of grounded theory in a multiple-case qualitative research design. Processes of leaving included: seeds of doubt, turning points, reappraisals, objective reflections, self-reclaiming actions, last straw events and paradigmatic shifts.

INTERRATER RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF RELATIONAL FUNCTIONING (GARF) SCALE IN A CLINICAL SETTING: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Abstract The purpose of this study was to estimate the reliability and construct validity of the Global Assessment of Relational Functioning (GARF) Scale. The GARF Scale, a preliminary tool for assessing relationship functioning, was designed to be easily administered in a variety of settings. In this study, 29 therapist interns and six American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy clinical supervisors, working in an on-site university-based clinic, independently rated 94 client families using the GARF Scale. Scores were compared, and a correlation of .54 was obtained. Validity was estimated by using assessment of risk and number of sessions attended.

A National Survey of Family Physicians: Perspectives on Collaboration With Marriage and Family Therapists

Recognizing the fit between family medicine and marriage and family therapy (MFT), members of both fields have made significant advances in collaborative health research and practice. To add to this work, we surveyed a nationwide random sample of 240 family physicians (FPs) and asked about their perspectives and experiences of collaboration with MFTs. We found that FPs frequently perceive a need for their patients to receive MFT-related care, but their referral to and collaboration with MFTs were limited. Through responses to an open-ended question, we gained valuable information as to how MFTs could more effectively initiate collaboration with FPs.