Robert F. Stahmann

Premarital counselling: a focus for family therapy

Premarital counselling has not been identified as an area of practice in recent surveys of family therapists. Yet this preventive approach is an area that is receiving much attention worldwide as some governmental units are requiring premarital counselling as a means to reduce divorce and strengthen families. A descriptive overview of premarital counselling rationale, process, content and effectiveness is presented and the possible role of family therapists offering this service is discussed.

Parent perception of the value of telephone family therapy when adolescents are in residential treatment

Abstract This study explored the value of telephones as intervention. The subjects were 47 parents whose adolescent children were in residential treatment. Dependent measures addressed the perceived value of three forms of telephone conversations in improving family functioning, family communication, and adolescent behavior. Another measure was a parent satisfaction survey. The independent measures were combinations of participants in the telephone sessions: parents, adolescent residents, and therapists. When sessions included therapists, adolescent residents, and parents (telephone family therapy), parents perceived the greatest benefit in helping family communication and family functioning. Parents also were most satisfied with therapy services when telephone family therapy was the primary type of telephone intervention.

Group Premarital Counseling Using a Premarital Assessment Questionnaire: Evaluation from Group Leaders

No research to date addresses premarital assessment questionnaire (PAQ) use within group settings. The current study evaluated the benefits and drawbacks of group use of one PAQ (the RELATE Inventory). Results were obtained via semi-structured interviews of group leaders and indicate overall leader agreement on the perceived desirability, benefits, and drawbacks of using PAQs in group premarital efforts. Recommended principles/guidelines for effective group PAQ use are organized into four categories: PAQ Considerations, Group Leader Considerations, Couple Considerations, and Group Content/Process Considerations.

Seven Types of Nonsexual Romantic Physical Affection among Brigham Young University Students

College students from Brigham Young University (N = 186; 68 men, 118 women, M age = 22.7 yr., SD = 3.5) completed a survey regarding nonsexual, romantic physical affection—defined as any touch intended to arouse feelings of love in the giver or the recipient. Respondents included both dating and married individuals, although this was not specified on the questionnaire. This descriptive study reports the mean, median, mode, and standard deviation for each of the seven physical affection types: backrubs/massages, caressing/stroking, cuddling/holding, holding hands, hugging, kissing on the face, and kissing on the lips. Grouped frequency distributions further describe the amounts of each type of physical affection. Although physical affection has been underrepresented in the literature, studies have shown it to be associated with relationship satisfaction, partner satisfaction, psychological intimacy, feeling understood, the development of attachment bonds, modulating cardiovascular arousal, and easier conflict resolution.

General Principles, Implications, and Future Directions

My husband and I recently faced a very difficult experience. I was extremely ill and our fourth child was born prematurely (at 5 months gestational age). Our little son lived for 1 1⁄2 hours. We’ve grown closer through this experience. Isaw a strength and wisdom surface in my husband which I had only sensed before. I knew he was a good man when we married, but my esteem and admiration have grown a great deal in 6 years. I think that all couples need to give themselves time to grow through life’s experiences (hopefully closer and not apart). I know that we are amazed at how much we’ve learned injust 6 years. We’vepassed through some difficult times which have challengedour relationship. We do not consider our marriage a temporary commitment so we seek tofind ways to make it better because separation is not an option.

Marriage Doctor or Dr. Death?: A Response to Doherty's “How Therapists Harm Marriages and What We Can Do About It”

Abstract In response to Dohertys theses that married people who seek therapy are at risk today from incompetent therapists who hold individualistic values and thereby undermine marital commitment and marital therapy outcome, two extensions are offered. First, that even though the message espoused by Doherty is not new, this may be a better time for therapists and clients to hear and respond to it. Second, a clinical approach is suggested for therapists which can provide a methodology during the initial stages of couple therapy that enhances the likelihood that the therapist will focus more on systemic and interaction aspects of the relationship. Even with such methodology available, therapists must examine core values about marriage and decide if they can ethically hold themselves out as marital therapists when their intended outcome for couples is individualism over the marital relationship.

Equal Relationships: Fostering Growth for Clients and Counselors

Luthman, S. G., & Kirschenbaum, M. The Dynamic Family. Stapleton, J., & Bright, R. Equal Marriage.