Roy A. Bean

Establishing Criterion Scores for the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale

This study demonstrates the usefulness of the KMSS and RDAS in distinguishing between the maritally distressed and nondistressed. For conceptual and statistical clarity, many marital interaction and marital therapy research measures, use a single cutoff score. It was determined that the cutoff score is 17 for the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMSS) and 48 for the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS) for husbands, wives, and couples. An equivalency table of mathematical formulas is also presented, allowing the conversion of individual and couple scores from one measure of marital quality to another. It is now possible to convert a score from any one of a number of instruments (KMSS, RDAS, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Marital Adjustment Test, Revised Marital Adjustment Test) to an equivalent score as measured by another instrument.

Severity of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Symptom Differences Between men and Women

Abstract Several aspects of childhood sexual abuse were investigated to deterrmine the “best model” for predicting long-term symptoms found both in male and female survivors. Level of severity accounted for the most variation for both men and women for each of the five measures of trauma symptoms (dissociation, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, and sleep disturbance). The most severe level of sexual abuse was associated with significantly more long-term distress than other levels of abuse in both men and women. Differences and similarities between the findings for men and women are discussed.

Parental Psychological Control, Psychological Autonomy, and Acceptance as Predictors of Self-Esteem in Latino Adolescents

This study examines several key parenting variables (psychological control, psychological autonomy, and acceptance) in predicting self-esteem among Latino adolescents using structural equation modeling analyses. Nested models are tested and parental acceptance variables are omitted from the model and group gender comparisons are examined. Two variables, maternal psychological autonomy and paternal psychological control, are found to be significant predictors of Latino boys’ self-esteem, whereas psychological autonomy and control (paternal and maternal) are all significantly related to self-esteem among Latino girls. Cultural factors that may have influenced these results are discussed.

Pathways to Parental Knowledge: The Role of Family Process and Family Structure

The purpose of the current study was (a) to examine the role of family process on child disclosure, parental solicitation, and parental knowledge and (b) to examine how patterns might differ as a function of family structure. Data for this study were taken from the Flourishing Families Project, which consists of 353 two- and 147 single-parent families with an adolescent child (X age of child = 11.35). Path analysis via structural equation modeling suggested that, for single- and two-parent families, family process was positively and directly related to child disclosure (two-parent only) and parental solicitation, and indirectly related to disclosure and solicitation via adolescents’ externalizing behaviors. In turn, externalizing behaviors, child disclosure, and parental solicitation were all directly related to parental knowledge. Despite mean differences in parenting variables as a function of family structure, findings highlight the importance of family process in promoting parents’ knowledge of their adolescent children, regardless of family structure.

Using Technology to Connect in Romantic Relationships: Effects on Attachment, Relationship Satisfaction, and Stability in Emerging Adults

This exploratory path analysis was designed to identify significant associations among technology use and relationship variables in a population of emerging adults. Two hundred seventy-six young people between the ages of 18 and 25 in committed relationships completed survey questions about ways they connect with their partners using technology. Actor and partner effects were obtained. A measure of attachment behaviors in relationships was tested as a mediator. Results indicate that attachment behaviors were universally associated with relationship satisfaction and stability for both men and women. No significant associations were found with social networking sites. Male texting frequency was negatively associated with relationship satisfaction and stability scores for both partners while female texting frequency was positively associated with their own relationship stability scores. Texting to express affection was associated with higher reported partner attachment for both men and women. For men, texting to hurt their partners was negatively associated with reported partner attachment, relationship satisfaction, and stability. Male-reported partner attachment mediated the relationship between texting to hurt partners and relationship satisfaction, and mediated the relationship between texting to express affection and satisfaction. Other differences and clinical implications are discussed.

Marriage and family therapy research with ethnic minorities: Current status

Abstract This study involved a 10-year review of the major marriage and family therapy related journals for articles involving racial and ethnic minorities. Despite an awareness of the importance of such scholarship, fewer than 5% of published articles focused on racial and ethnic minority populations and issues. This review of the marriage and family therapy professional literature provides a benchmark against which future publication rates can be measured.

Culturally Competent Family Therapy with Latino/Anglo-American Adolescents: Facilitating Identity Formation

This paper focuses on culturally competent family therapy interventions focused on the topic of identity formation in Latino/Anglo American (L/AA) youth, a growing segment of the United States population. Given the overall scarcity of literature specific to this unique group, models of identity formation for a broader category (i.e., multi-racial youth) are presented and critiqued in terms of their application to L/AA adolescent. Special identity-related factors for L/AA youth populations are presented including the race of the youths Latino parent, the L/AA youths appearance, acceptance from family members and peers, and cultural conflict within the home. Guided by Sue and Sue (2003), specific suggestions for culturally competent family therapy are provided, and detailed using a case vignette.

Marital Problems and Marital Satisfaction Among Brazilian Couples

As the practice of marriage and family therapy is spreading across the world, it is important for knowledge regarding marital processes and patterns to expand to countries outside of North America and Europe. This study examined common marital problems faced by Brazilian couples. The sample consisted of 80 married couples living in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Results showed that money, children, jealousy, and sex were common problems faced by Brazilian couples. There were few gender differences found. Sex and alcohol had a significant impact on marital satisfaction of wives, and sex had a significant impact on marital satisfaction of husbands.

Sexual Abuse and Subsequent Risky Sexual Behaviors: A Competency Model for Treatment of Adolescent Females

Sexual abuse is an antecedent to many psychological and behavioral issues that accompany client families when they present for therapy. This article reviews relevant literature regarding sexual abuse in childhood/adolescence as it relates to resultant risky sexual behaviors and their combined impact on individual and family functioning. Treatment guidelines using Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy are presented in the context of three key elements of clinical competence: knowledge, awareness, and skills.

Understanding Familial/Cultural Factors in Adolescent Depression: A Culturally-Competent Treatment for Working With Chinese American Families

A significant challenge for researchers and clinicians is in the process of determining culturally sensitive strategies to ensure treatment effectiveness with ethnic populations in the United States. This article highlights key aspects of treating Chinese American families where a child is struggling with adolescent depression. Relevant literatures associated with adolescent depression and effective treatment of Chinese Americans are reviewed and organized according to the dimensions of therapist knowledge, awareness, and skills. Therapist guidelines are provided using key aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy. Additional suggestions are presented for culturally competent therapy with Chinese American youth and their families.