The hypothetical constructs of attraction and barrier forces, as well as contrasting alternative attractions are used to organize the research literature on the determinants of marital stability and dissolution. (Author/AM)

Research directed toward combatting the problem of domestic violence involves consideration of certain variables related to implementing treatment regimens for battering males. The various characteristics of this population are discernable; the relationship of these factors has important implications for therapeutic intervention. The design and…

This article deals with the potential for growth and development during the postdivorce period, using, as a conceptual frame of reference, developmental psychoanalytic psychology. (Author)

Describes a method for identifying how families organize and proceed through the problem-solving process. Method uses new behaviors as markers to identify the beginning and ends of qualitatively different periods of problem-solving interaction. Testing of 40 family groups revealed an orderly, rather than a random, sequencing of problem solving.…

Uses the concept of collusion to explain the formation and persistence of patient-caretaker dyads which may help explain the role of family dynamics in cases of chronic pain. Suggests the caretaking role may be extreme and contibute to the maintenance of a chronic pain role. (Author/JAC)

Used community samples to determine the effects of childhood family support or dysfunction and the extent of parent drug-use problems on adult intimacy issues, such as sexual satisfaction. Results showed that parent drug-use predicted poor family support; family support correlated strongly with good adult intimate relations. (RJM)

These papers on child and adolescent sexual abuse address the psychological consequences, psychological assessment techniques, and clinical issues in group therapy with sexually abused girls. In the first paper. H. Elizabeth King discusses the psychological consequences of sexual assault and incest on minors particularly in regard to family…