Journal of marital and family therapy最新文献

Large language models can provide personalized feedback within web-based self-care support tools. This study investigated the impact of ChatGPT feedback, which provided advice aimed at improving the concreteness and realism of the user's goals, in a self-care support tool based on solution-focused brief therapy. Participants were randomly assigned to the ChatGPT group (n = 92) or the control group (n = 82). The tool comprised eight components: problem definition, miracle question, goal setting, machine learning model-based feedback on goals, ChatGPT feedback (ChatGPT group), goal re-setting, exception question, and ideas for problem solving. Our findings indicated that the self-care support tool was effective, improving solution building, positive affect, the level of realization of the ideal life, and problem severity in both groups. The additional effect of incorporating ChatGPT feedback was demonstrated only for problem severity. These results suggest that self-care support tools are effective, with ChatGPT feedback providing an added benefit for problem severity.

The goal of this study was to explore racism-related stress and racial trauma training experiences among couple/marriage and family therapists (C/MFTs). A mixed method convergent design was used to collect data from graduate level C/FMTs. A total of N = 71 participants completed online surveys, and n = 18 individuals completed interviews. Results indicated 45.1% (n = 32) of participants reported taking one course in their department that addressed racial stress and/or trauma. Individuals with 2–3, or 4+ courses focusing on racial trauma reported increased satisfaction with educational experiences compared to those with zero (F [3, 58] = 4.29, p = 0.009]. Data integration yielded two themes: (1) Minimal racism-related stress and racial trauma education experiences, and (2) Inevitability of working with families impacted by racial trauma and not feeling prepared. Training recommendations are provided for the inclusion of racism-related stress coursework among graduate level training programs.

It is expected that half of the world's population will experience some type of mental illness during their lives, with less than 25% of those receiving any form of treatment. With increasing need and insufficient mental health providers to meet those demands, we need innovative approaches that provide care for larger numbers of people with differing needs and cultural expectations. This paper presents a community-based participatory research approach lead by systemically trained clinicians and researchers used to address the mental health needs of a vulnerable underserved community in Brazil. The results highlight how this approach: (1) fosters community trust, (2) empowers community members to address their own mental health needs, and (3) leads to the interventions that improves mental health outcomes and social change of the community being served.

Mindfulness may reduce depression by supporting more satisfying relationships, yet these associations remain understudied in Latino couples. Given the overlap between mindfulness and Latino cultural values, this study tested whether trait mindfulness is linked to greater relationship satisfaction and, in turn, lower depression among Latino couples. Survey data from 293 heterosexual Latino couples were analyzed using an Actor Partner Interdependence Mediation Model. Results showed that both men and women higher in trait mindfulness tended to feel more satisfied in their relationship and reported fewer depressive symptoms. In addition, trait mindfulness in one partner was associated with greater relationship satisfaction and lower depression in the other. These findings underscore the potential value of integrating mindfulness and relationship-based strategies in culturally responsive work with Latino couples. Couple, marital, and family therapists may apply these insights through a family systems lens to support more inclusive, effective care for Latinos experiencing depression.

The Harlem Renaissance marked a pivotal moment in American history, heralding a cultural and artistic movement that redefined African American identity through self-expression and resistance to systemic oppression. This paper explores the integration of poetry as a narrative therapeutic tool, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance's emphasis on art as a transformative and healing force. A new poetry form “Divine Completion” is introduced, complementing narrative therapy to help clients externalize problems, deconstruct dominant narratives, and reconstruct empowering stories. Through a case study, we demonstrate how therapists can harness poetry to foster emotional expression, resilience, and healing in diverse family systems. The integration of historical and contemporary therapeutic practices underscores the relevance of poetry and how therapists can help families share their new ideas, voices, and views of relationships.

This article explores the application of mixed-reality simulation as a teaching tool for Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) within a master's-level course designed to enhance the clinical skills of couple/marriage and family therapy students. It describes the structure, implementation, and delivery of the course, highlighting how the technology can support experiential learning in therapist training. The article also discusses the strengths and challenges of using mixed-reality simulation in this teaching context and offers recommendations for future use and integration in clinical training.