Aleja Parsons PhD, Shawn C. T. Jones PhD, Jenna B. Teves PhD, Karen H. Petty PhD, Andrew Christensen PhD
{"title":"The importance of highlighting culturally relevant factors in the DEEP analysis when using IBCT with African American couples","authors":"Aleja Parsons PhD, Shawn C. T. Jones PhD, Jenna B. Teves PhD, Karen H. Petty PhD, Andrew Christensen PhD","doi":"10.1111/jmft.12732","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jmft.12732","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) posits that couple distress can, in part, be attributed to four factors labeled with the acronym DEEP: natural <i>U</i>ifferences between partners in their perspectives, beliefs, interests, and personalities, partner's <i>E</i>motional sensitivities related to these differences, the <i>E</i>xternal, contextual stressors that often exacerbate their differences and sensitivities, and the resultant <i>P</i>atterns of distressed interaction. Although an extensive assessment process captures these four components and thus tailors targets for intervention based on the unique characteristics of each couple, it does not explicitly consider the uniqueness of African American couples. Given the historical and contemporary realities that African American couples face (e.g., anti-Black racism), the purpose of this article is to help clinicians use IBCT with African American couples in a culturally responsive way. We begin this article by highlighting the unique needs of African American couples. We then provide a broad overview of the benefits of adopting a multicultural lens of awareness, knowledge, and skills in clinical work, present an atheoretical overview of IBCT, and offer specific recommendations to attend to the unique cultural experiences of African American couples. Finally, we present a case study to exemplify our suggestions and highlight implications of using IBCT with African American couples in a culturally responsible way.</p>","PeriodicalId":16320,"journal":{"name":"Journal of marital and family therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142132977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Clayton A. Brigance PhD, Phillip L. Waalkes PhD, Agata Freedle PhD, So Rin Kim PhD
{"title":"Gottman's sound relationship house and relational resilience through infertility for couples","authors":"Clayton A. Brigance PhD, Phillip L. Waalkes PhD, Agata Freedle PhD, So Rin Kim PhD","doi":"10.1111/jmft.12736","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jmft.12736","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Some couples report that their relationship satisfaction increases through the experience of infertility. Few studies exist which explain how this phenomenon occurs through specific variables. We hypothesized that John Gottman's constructs of friendship and intimacy as well as shared meaning could explain how couples can achieve increased relationship satisfaction. We examined a regression analysis of cross-sectional retrospective individual data for couples who are either experiencing infertility currently or have done so in the recent past. In our nonclinical sample (<i>n</i> = 903), mediation analyses indicated significant influencing pathways for the Gottman shared meaning system, indicating that this construct may explain how couples achieve greater emotional bonding and couple satisfaction through infertility. These findings provide couple therapists with potential areas of focus for couples navigating infertility through the lens of Gottman Method Couple Therapy, including ways to encourage deeper mutual shared meaning amidst the infertility experience.</p>","PeriodicalId":16320,"journal":{"name":"Journal of marital and family therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142108142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ana Paula Relvas PhD, Alda Portugal PhD, Laura Lacomba-Trejo PhD, Sofia Major PhD, Luciana Sotero PhD, Rafaela Agostinho MSc, Marta Moreira MSc, Ashley K. Randall PhD
{"title":"One year of COVID-19: A longitudinal study of individual and relational factors of psychological adjustment of individuals living in a romantic relationship in Portugal during the COVID-19 pandemic","authors":"Ana Paula Relvas PhD, Alda Portugal PhD, Laura Lacomba-Trejo PhD, Sofia Major PhD, Luciana Sotero PhD, Rafaela Agostinho MSc, Marta Moreira MSc, Ashley K. Randall PhD","doi":"10.1111/jmft.12734","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jmft.12734","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This longitudinal study explored the impact of COVID-19 on individuals in romantic relationships. The sample spans three waves: first confinement (<i>n</i> = 52), deconfinement (<i>n</i> = 49), and second confinement (<i>n</i> = 26). The study tested sociodemographic factors, psychological adjustment (anxiety, depression, stress, well-being), COVID-19 threat perception, dyadic coping, and relationship quality. Results from repeated measures ANOVA and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) models revealed a decline in anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms, coupled with improved relationship quality over time. Well-being and dyadic coping remained stable, while COVID-19 threat perception increased. QCA models emphasized the predictive power of initial mental states (anxiety, depression, stress, and well-being at W1) on subsequent adjustment. Notably, shorter relationship duration, healthcare worker status, and not having children, when combined with prior mental states, explained increased symptoms and diminished well-being. The study underscores the significance of addressing these factors in individuals navigating romantic relationships during the pandemic.</p>","PeriodicalId":16320,"journal":{"name":"Journal of marital and family therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142073079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shauna R. Fenske MA, Steven M. Harris PhD, Jacqueline LaPlant-Braughton PhD, Sarah Allen PhD, Kelly Roberts PhD, Grace Anderson MS
{"title":"It got me thinking: The impact of participating in a divorce decision-making interview","authors":"Shauna R. Fenske MA, Steven M. Harris PhD, Jacqueline LaPlant-Braughton PhD, Sarah Allen PhD, Kelly Roberts PhD, Grace Anderson MS","doi":"10.1111/jmft.12735","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jmft.12735","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Although there is literature documenting the reasons for and outcomes of divorce, there is limited research about the divorce decision-making process. Researchers with the National Divorce Decision-Making Project interviewed (<i>n</i> = 30) people in the process of making a divorce decision. One year later they conducted a second interview (<i>n</i> = 22) with the same sample to track any changes in participants' divorce ideation. The current study reports on the results of a thematic analysis of participants' responses to the final question, “How did the initial interview impact your thinking about the future of your marriage?” Three salient themes emerged from the data: (1) talking got me thinking, (2) thinking got me acting, and (3) the conversation was (surprisingly) therapeutic. The authors highlight possible clinical implications and directions for future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":16320,"journal":{"name":"Journal of marital and family therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jmft.12735","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142017790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ingredients of successful therapeutic relationships with foster youth according to key stakeholders in child welfare: A grounded theory analysis","authors":"Deanna Linville PhD, Saralyn Ruff PhD, Kaycee Morgan MS, Karen Zilberstein MSW","doi":"10.1111/jmft.12731","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jmft.12731","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Foster youth reportedly have a significant need for mental health services and the quality of the therapeutic relationship can influence service engagement. We employed grounded theory methods to conduct interviews and focus groups with 48 key stakeholders in child welfare to deepen our theoretical understanding of therapeutic relationships with foster youth. The central theory that emerged was that a successful therapeutic relationship is an essential ingredient of the healing process for current and former foster youth. Participants identified hindrances to a successful therapeutic relationship, such as when therapist mishandles countertransference or inappropriately uses self-disclosure, as well as what therapists can do to build a successful therapeutic relationship, such as when a therapist fosters a secure attachment and promotes client agency. The findings offer insight into some of the important facets of building and maintaining a trusting and successful therapeutic relationship with current and former foster youth.</p>","PeriodicalId":16320,"journal":{"name":"Journal of marital and family therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141855737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Violet Hodge EdS, Ruiqin Gao PhD, Ryan G. Carlson PhD, Sejal M. Barden PhD, Dalena Dillman Taylor PhD
{"title":"Association between help-seeking and motivation for completing a couple relationship education program across service modality","authors":"Violet Hodge EdS, Ruiqin Gao PhD, Ryan G. Carlson PhD, Sejal M. Barden PhD, Dalena Dillman Taylor PhD","doi":"10.1111/jmft.12733","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jmft.12733","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Levels of motivation and help-seeking impact the effectiveness of couple relationship education (CRE), as those with greater help-seeking and motivation are more likely to attend more sessions and remain engaged. Less is known about what impacts the association between motivation and help-seeking between partners in a couple engaging in CRE. The current study aims to examine (a) the effect of couples' self-stigma for help-seeking on their own or partner's motivation to complete the relationship education program and (b) whether the effects differ between service modality (i.e., online and in-person). We sampled 276 heterosexual couples who participated in a relationship education program. A multiple-group actor–partner interdependence model analysis revealed that women and men with higher self-stigma for seeking help exhibited lower motivation to complete the program in both settings. Higher self-stigma in men for help-seeking significantly enhanced the motivation of their female partners to complete the online relationship education program.</p>","PeriodicalId":16320,"journal":{"name":"Journal of marital and family therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jmft.12733","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141778942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The bottom-up approach in multigenerational family therapy: The child as the family guide","authors":"Maurizio Andolfi MD","doi":"10.1111/jmft.12730","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jmft.12730","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In therapy, the child is mainly seen as a problem to be labeled or as a victim of various forms of abuse. The idea of the child as a therapeutic resource is the central point of my article where children's symptoms are quickly reframed and get a relational meaning in the family. Once the relational competence of the child is appreciated and his voice is heard, the child becomes a special guide to explore the emotional world of his family, and the genogram can provide a wonderful platform to start this therapeutic journey. Using a multigenerational lens, I describe how to explore family development with a “bottom-up approach.” Intergenerational questions can be asked to the child and with his help relevant family events can emerge and broken bonds repaired. The therapeutic results I expect are the resolution of children's problems and family transformation.</p>","PeriodicalId":16320,"journal":{"name":"Journal of marital and family therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141759267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gender, attachment, and demand/withdraw patterns in the context of moderate couple conflict in cisgender, heterosexual relationships","authors":"Ryan B. Seedall PhD","doi":"10.1111/jmft.12729","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jmft.12729","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A common pattern in couple relationships is demand/withdraw. Within this pattern, one partner seeks connection, change, and resolution of the issue, whereas the other seeks to end the discussion and limit closeness. We sought to further understand and update the literature by examining the relationship of gender and attachment (both self-report and narrative discourse) with demand/withdraw behaviors during moderate couple conflict. Using data from 63 cisgender, heterosexual couples, we used the actor–partner interdependence model within multilevel modeling, to explore the research questions. Findings revealed that during the woman's issue, men were more likely to withdraw. During the man's issue, preoccupied attachment in either partner was associated with more demand and women higher in attachment anxiety were more likely to demand. Demand behaviors in one partner were also associated with withdraw behaviors in the other (and vice versa). In this article, we discuss the research and clinical implications of these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":16320,"journal":{"name":"Journal of marital and family therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jmft.12729","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141759266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Skills and knowledge therapists need to work with foster youth and families: According to key stakeholders in child welfare","authors":"Deanna Linville PhD, Saralyn Ruff PhD, Kaycee Morgan MS, Karen Zilberstein MSW","doi":"10.1111/jmft.12727","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jmft.12727","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The current study relied on community-based participatory action research and qualitative methodology to explore the necessary skills and knowledge psychotherapists need to work effectively with foster youth and their families. In this study, the research team conducted interviews and focus groups with stakeholders (<i>n</i> = 48) in child welfare to learn how to support therapeutic relationships with foster youth clients. Using qualitative content analysis, the research team identified eight categories for needed knowledge and/or skills, such as collaboration with and inclusion of others in a client's system; flexibility and open-mindedness to individualize care follow the client's lead; and a solid understanding of trauma and attachment supported by therapist training and regular consultation specifically around foster care. These findings offer tangible suggestions for skills that psychotherapists can learn and practice in order to support beneficial mental health services for foster youth.</p>","PeriodicalId":16320,"journal":{"name":"Journal of marital and family therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141590477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rune Zahl-Olsen PhD, Frode Thuen, Thomas Bjerregaard Bertelsen PhD
{"title":"The effectiveness of the in-person and online Gottman Seven Principles Couple Enhancement Program: A propensity score matching design","authors":"Rune Zahl-Olsen PhD, Frode Thuen, Thomas Bjerregaard Bertelsen PhD","doi":"10.1111/jmft.12726","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jmft.12726","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study investigates the effectiveness of the 12-h Gottman Seven Principles couple enhancement program delivered in person and online. In Norway, we recruited 490 participants and 242 people for a control group. All were in close relationships. The revised dyadic adjustment scale (RDAS) was used to assess the quality of their relationships before and after program participation, and at 6-month follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA, <i>t</i> tests, reliable change, and multilevel multiple regression using propensity score matching to control for confounders were used to investigate the effectiveness of the course. The results demonstrate that the Gottman Seven Principles course improves couple relationships and is equally effective whether delivered in person or online. Furthermore, it does not matter whether there are therapists with a clinical background delivering the course, suggesting that the material itself is sufficient.</p>","PeriodicalId":16320,"journal":{"name":"Journal of marital and family therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jmft.12726","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141498222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}