Using data from a longitudinal study of adolescents (N=608), an examination was made into the connection between the experience of physical discipline in childhood and violence in intimate relationships. It was determined that harsh physical punishment in childhood is directly related to greater perpetration of violence later against an intimate…

Background: Appropriate assessment is an essential part of treating sexual offenders. Few assessments exist that can be used with offenders who have lower levels of intellectual functioning and/or literacy deficits. Method: This study describes the adaptation of four self-report assessments for sexual offenders with special needs: (i) the "Social…

Although psychologists, sociologists, family scientists and communication experts are making important contributions to the study of personal relationships, discussion of the gender differences that often create barriers to intimacy, and how these differences are reflected in the communication process, is notably absent from much of this work.…

Despite over 30 years of review and analysis, researchers still are unclear as to what W.H. Crockett's Role Category Questionnaire (RCQ) of interpersonal differentiation actually measures. Among the constructivists, at least four different explanations have been advanced. The "orthodox" interpretation holds that the RCQ constitutes a…

Critically examines self-report measures used by marital researchers, focusing on selected indicators of marital satisfaction, adjustment, and quality. Reviews indicators of marital intimacy and complaints. Explores measures of concepts linked more directly to marital stability, including measures of commitment, relationship alternatives, and…

Examines influences of peer relations on the development of social and cognitive competence. Discusses implications of differences in boys' and girls' play styles for cognitive skills and the development of intimacy. Notes that gender segregation is initiated and maintained within the peer group. (BAC)

Notes that coinciding with recent growth of professional interest in relationship counseling has been emergence of important research on cognitive processes of persons in close relationships. Reviews selected findings from this literature which illuminates attributional, self-evaluation, and self-verification processes of participants in close…

Inability to hear or understand the male voice of intimacy creates difficulty in relationships. Listening to relational dialogues of intimacy based on feminine relational strengths may preclude understanding or hearing males voices. Reviews special issue of the "Journal of Mental Health Counseling" on counseling men, concluding with several…

Addresses the relationship between intimacy and communication that is based on computer technology. Discusses definitions of intimacy and the nature of intimate conversations that use computers as a communications medium. Explores implications for counseling. (MKA)

Examines reactions of 531 undergraduate men and women to scenarios depicting nonconsensual heterosexual intercourse involving varying levels of prior intimacy. Responses show women were most likely to find the scenarios unacceptable; gender differences increased with higher levels of prior intimacy between victim and offender. Knowing a rape…

Clinicians and researchers are beginning to acknowledge the importance of integrating a developmental perspective into the understanding of clinical disorders. Major gaps still exist between basic research on attachment processes and clinical issues regarding mental disorders. Reflecting growth in this direction, National Institute of Mental…

Reviews existing data regarding the etiology and treatment of male and female sexual dysfunctions. Discusses the use of multidimensional assessment models, especially in the evaluation of erectile dysfunction and sexual pain disorders. Despite the conceptual and technological sophistication of current approaches, treatment outcomes are…

Discusses classic and contemporary approaches to the assessment of female sexuality. General approaches, assessment strategies, and models of female sexuality are organized within the conceptual domains of sexual behaviors, sexual responses, and individual differences, including general and sex-specific personality models. Highlights trends and…

Examines how some links among various models of individual and family relationships begin to constitute a science of intimate relationships. Examples from a theory of personality socialization in the family are given to illustrate how links between theory and practice can be achieved through various methods. (Author/MKA)

A case study of Relationship Enhancement (RE) therapy with a couple, in which the woman was identified as having vaginismus, is presented including excerpts of transcripts from the therapy sessions. RE's effectiveness at improving communication skills and providing structure in which the couple could discuss the intimate issues affecting the…