BACKGROUND The diagnosis of infertility and concurrent medical treatment may inflict an array of negative emotional symptoms in infertile persons. Evidence for the positive effects of psychotherapy on negative affect and also possible influence on conception rates has been discussed in several studies. METHOD Meta-analyses were conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy of group and individu...

This review synthesizes drug abuse outcome studies that included a family-couples therapy treatment condition. The meta-analytic evidence, across 1,571 cases involving an estimated 3,500 patients and family members, favors family therapy over (a) individual counseling or therapy, (b) peer group therapy, and (c) family psychoeducation. Family therapy is as effective for adults as for adolescents...

Screening for intimate partner violence and/or abuse (IPV/A) in family mediation is important, perhaps particularly among cases without attorney representation. While most mediators agree that it is ideal to consider IPV/A in case planning, there is less agreement regarding the need to universally and systematically screen for IPV/A among all cases. Such attitudes are of concern, given research...

BACKGROUND This article presents a description of the Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), and puts forwards its contributions, its techniques and progress, the research data on its usefulness compared to traditional behavioral couple therapy, and explains basically its articulation in third-wave behavior therapies using the concepts of functionality, rule-governed/contingency-shaped b...

This article addresses clinical and ethical directions in treating clients coping with infidelity. Developing competence in this domain requires familiarity with empirical research regarding infidelity, individual and cultural differences involving non-monogamy, and assessment and intervention skills related to treating infidelity. Practical directions will entail distinguishing among responsib...

Background: Careers and the family are considered the most important aspects of adult life, which affect a couplechr('39')s mental health. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of emotion-focused couple therapy on improving optimism and communication patterns among couples working at state offices of the Ramhormoz County. Materials and Methods: The research method was experi...

This article reviews the research on couple therapy over the last decade. The research shows that couple therapy positively impacts 70% of couples receiving treatment. The effectiveness rates of couple therapy are comparable to the effectiveness rates of individual therapies and vastly superior to control groups not receiving treatment. The relationship between couple distress and individual di...

Couples therapy has experienced a shift in therapeutic approaches from those that focus on dysfunction and deficits to postmodern approaches that emphasize clients’ strengths and skills. Additionally, researchers have found that resources, such as self-esteem and social support, serve to enhance couples’ relationships. One therapeutic approach that emphasizes strengths and resources is solution...

Proponents of the common factors movement in marriage and family therapy (MFT) suggest that, rather than specific models of therapy, elements common across models of therapy and common to the process of therapy itself are responsible for therapeutic change. This article-the second of two companion articles-reports on a study designed to further investigate common factors in couple therapy. We u...

Across nearly all cultures, sharing a lifelong committed relationship with an intimate partner comprises an almost universal and strongly held ambition. Nevertheless, cross-national data reliably indicate a high prevalence of relationship distress and dissolution, with adverse emotional and physical health consequences for adult partners and their children. This introduction to the special sect...