Linda Stone Fish

Treating Inhibited Sexual Desire: A Marital Therapy Approach.

Abstract The treatment of inhibited sexual desire (ISD) has traditionally focused on individual dysfunction. In this paper, ISD is defined as a relational phenomenon which may best be treated in the marital context. The function of the symptom of ISD as it relates to the central marital issues of power, intimacy, and boundaries is also addressed. A structural family therapy treatment strategy for ISD cases is outlined and illustrated in a case example.

Comparing structural, strategic, and feminist-informed family therapies: Two delphi studies

Abstract Two Delphi studies are compared to examine the similarities and differences inherent in structural, strategic and feminist-informed family therapies. The results of each study are summarized; their theoretical assumptions, goals of therapy, and therapeutic techniques are described. Common themes and basic incompatibilities between the approaches are highlighted. Recommendations for the field of family therapy are discussed.

Ethnic Identity in an American White Minority Group

To examine ethnic identity as a predictor of adolescent self-competence and possible differences in ethnic identity according to age in an American White minority ethnic group, we surveyed 63 Jewish teenagers (ages 11-18) living in a Jewish nondominant neighborhood context in a large southeastern metropolitan area in the United States. Participants completed measures of ethnic identity, self-competence, demographic variables, and peer and family relationships. Results indicate that the older Jewish teenagers (15 and older) have a weaker ethnic identification than the younger Jewish teenagers (14 and under). At all ages, teenagers with stronger ethnic identification reported greater scholastic self-competence. Additionally, family or peer variables predicted 4 of the 5 dimensions of self-competence examined (social acceptance, physical appearance, close friendship, and self-worth), suggesting the importance of other influences on self-competence like the quality of family and peer relationships.

ETHNIC IDENTITY IN JEWISH FAMILIES

Forty-eight Jewish families living in Central New York were interviewed about the development of their ethnic identity. Within each family, parents and children were asked about how they developed their ethnic identity to explore qualitatively how Jewish identity shapes and influences family dynamics. The semi-structured family interviews were coded using a constant comparison methodology. Seven qualitative categories emerged (gendered decisions, negotiating continuity, family of origin, survivors, active learning, traditions, and cultural religion). Jewish identity formation in families and the implications for clinical practice are explored.

Quid pro quo revisited: the basis of marital therapy.

This paper proposes that the basis of marriage is the quid pro quo agreement, which must be recognized in any marital therapy. Symmetry and complementarity are reviewed as the two ways in which the three basic marital issues of power, intimacy, and boundaries are worked out in the quid pro quo negotiations. Implications for therapy are discussed.

Structural couple therapy in the treatment of inhibited sexual drive

Abstract This paper presents a study of a structural couple therapy approach to the treatment of inhibited sexual desire (ISD). ISD is first conceptualized as a relational phenomenon that may be most effectively treated in a couple context. Structural couple therapy is advanced and applied to the treatment of a clinical sample of couples presenting with ISD. Results of the study suggest that a structural couple therapy approach to ISD is effective in reducing symptoms of the sexual disorder and in increasing couple satisfaction.

Second-Order Change in Marriage and Family Therapy: A Web-Based Modified Delphi Study

Second-order change is a central concept in Marriage and Family Therapy, but still remains poorly operationalized. We conducted a web-based modified Delphi study with 31 established faculty members currently teaching in COAMFTE-accredited Masters and Doctoral programs in the United States and in Canada to identify consensus regarding second-order change concepts, clinical operationalization, evaluation, and teaching principles. Numerous exemplars of first and second-order change were generated, but consensus on most items was low. Consensus was highest for pedagogy and low regarding concepts and clinical examples of first-order change and evaluation of second-order change. Results suggest clearer definitions and better measurement of systemic change are needed.

Neighborhood trauma due to violence: a multilevel analysis

Abstract:In Syracuse, New York the social determinants of trauma from neighborhood violence are rooted in historical processes, including urban renewal, the Rockefeller drug laws, and de-industrialization. These contributed to destabilizing Syracuse communities of color, resulting in disproportionate incarceration, family disruption, and economic devastation. Community violence, clustering in densely populated neighborhoods, creates unmanageable stress for the families who live in them. A map of gunshots and gun fatalities (2009 to 2014) illustrates the continuing onslaught of bullets being fired, often in close proximity to elementary schools. A community survey indicated that over half of respondents personally knew more than 10 murder victims. Half the respondents scored positive on the Civilian PTSD Checklist; there thus is a great deal of unaddressed traumatic stress in the community. This analysis, conducted to prepare for planning future interventions to reduce the community trauma and violence, is part of an ongoing university-community collaboration.