Journal of marital and family therapy最新文献

This study uses network analysis to examine how self-differentiation sub-factors relate to marital satisfaction among 400 married adults in South Korea, a society undergoing rapid cultural transition. A network model was estimated to map the relationships between differentiation components (e.g., Emotional Reactivity, I-Position, Fusion) and marital satisfaction items. The analysis identified Emotional Reactivity and Emotional Fusion as the most central drivers of marital dissatisfaction. In contrast, a rigid “I-Position” (self-assertion) was negatively associated with marital satisfaction, suggesting its role is complex within a cultural context that prioritizes relational harmony. This may reflect “reactive individualism” against traditional suppression. The findings highlight a dynamic interplay between emotional regulation and culturally shaped self-expression, demonstrating network analysis's utility for developing targeted, culturally sensitive clinical interventions that promote a balanced sense of self.

This study validated the Couple Communication Satisfaction Scale (CCSS) in Türkiye through two studies with distinct samples. Study I (N = 371, mean age = 27.56) examined factorial validity, reliability, item response theory, and measurement invariance, confirming an 11-item, five-factor structure via confirmatory factor analysis with acceptable internal consistency. Study II (N = 482, mean age = 29.24) tested structural relations among family communication, dyadic trust, and relationship satisfaction using structural equation modeling, revealing that family communication positively predicted dyadic trust and couple communication satisfaction, which in turn predicted higher relationship satisfaction. Overall, findings indicate that the CCSS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing couple communication satisfaction in the Turkish cultural context.

In this international mixed-methods study, we analyzed data from 5233 individuals who identified as either the involved partner or uninvolved partner in a romantic relationship affected by infidelity. Participants completed an international survey exploring personal and therapeutic experiences following an affair. This study builds on existing literature by examining factors that support or hinder recovery, with particular attention to therapy effectiveness, therapist behaviors, and the impact of affair discovery. Quantitative data captured descriptive trends across relational and individual domains, while qualitative responses provided deeper insight into client-identified needs, barriers, and long-term outcomes. In this article, we (a) present key findings from this large-scale mixed-methods survey, (b) identify implications for clinical work with couples and individuals navigating infidelity, and (c) discuss critical gaps in training and treatment, limitations of current therapeutic approaches, and the need for greater integration of client perspectives in future research.

Physical aggression poses a serious ethical concern for couple therapists, particularly when dealing with recent mutual physical intimate partner violence (IPV). We interviewed 12 expert clinician researchers to explore their views on treating couples with recent (~6 months) mutual IPV and analyzed the data using a hybrid inductive-deductive approach to thematic analysis. Most (83.3%) participants were willing to treat such couples. Participants emphasized assessing the context and function of IPV, using clinical judgment to determine treatment suitability. They provided assessment recommendations and suggested standardized questionnaires and separate in-depth discussions with partners to understand context and ensure safety. Intervention recommendations included applying traditional couple therapy to address IPV, helping couples manage conflict, and enhancing motivation and safety. Participants highlighted barriers and supports surrounding needed resources, lack of guidelines, liability concerns, training, and telehealth concerns. Results inform the development of IPV assessment guidelines for couple therapists.

The lasting impacts of incarceration can deeply affect the family unit. While family services are crucial for promoting reunification and stability, these services are often underutilized and difficult for families to access as they navigate re-entry after prison. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, eight men released from incarceration participated in interviews to share their perspectives on family-based services, particularly family therapy. Four key themes emerged from the interviews: beliefs and emerging awareness of family therapy, obstacles to accessing therapy, therapeutic needs and goals, and advocacy for improved services. Insights and recommendations for re-entry service providers and family therapists are discussed.

Rising divorce rates in Mexico highlight the need to address the emotional and relational effects of family transitions on children. This conceptual-clinical paper presents an integrative art therapy framework that weaves narrative, systemic, and attachment perspectives through the creation of a family book, a creative ritual that functions as both a narrative container and a transitional object. Grounded in clinical practice, this process supports emotional expression, meaning making, and the strengthening of family bonds within reconfigured family systems. Using a case illustration, the paper shows how collaborative art-making fosters communication, resilience, and secure attachment during parental separation. The discussion emphasizes the relevance of creative therapeutic rituals for supporting adaptation, reducing emotional distress, and promoting continuity across homes. This approach positions family-centered art therapy as a valuable component of clinical practice and emerging policy initiatives aimed at safeguarding children's emotional well-being during divorce.