To date, family scientists have not examined the processes and outcomes of research training. In this study, we present a potential way in which the research-practice gap is sustained by our current forms of research education, and we suggest two improvements. First, graduate and undergraduate programs should improve assessment of their research…

Conducted in-depth interviews with 17 parents (9 fathers and 8 mothers) who had abducted their own children. Reported reasons for abduction included unsatisfactory contact with court-related professionals, revenge, and fear for the child's safety. Some abductors, after the abduction had been resolved, had increased contact with their children.…

Examines professional response to child sexual abuse. Considers problems with current practice and research, what maintains current professional behavior, and whether individual professionals improve children's welfare. Documents numerous professional practices that may harm children. Highlights ways that individual professionals can promote…

In responding to commentaries by Ceci and Bruck, Pezdek, and Faulconer, authors of original article (all this issue) on child sexual abuse restate original argument that children's well-being should determine all professional action, no matter how painful this may be for professional. Authors then address specific issues raised in commentaries,…

Updates call for integration among domains of theory, research, and practice in family science. Suggests that family science as an emerging discipline adopt the notion of the family scientist as a "multidomain specialist" or an "integrationist." Claims there is opportunity to provide the applied domain of family science with individuals trained in…

Reviews literature on noncustodial parents to discuss issues having major ramifications for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Discusses implications of the literature, highlights gaps in knowledge, and identifies areas for future research. Notes need for further research to investigate changing demographic composition of American…

Responds to previous article by Fincham, Beach, Moore, and Diener (this issue) on child sexual abuse. Contends that other perspectives need further investigation to effectively serve children's best interests. Discusses ways that researchers and practitioners can help abused children by building on some of Fincham et al.'s ideas and introduces…

Applies structural family systems perspective to clinical intervention in violent families. Describes structural family therapy techniques which were used with a multi-problem family whose symptoms included family violence. Discusses cooperation needed among researchers, therapists, and therapy trainers who would use a systems approach to analyze…

Integrates family stress theory with empirical farm family research. Using the integration of theory and empirical findings, produces the Farm Family Assessment Instrument, a practical assessment instrument for use by farm crisis counselors who work with families who have lost or are losing their farms. (Author/NB)

Explored applications of the social exchange perspective of relationship satisfaction to educational and therapeutic interventions with those involved in close personal relationships, focusing on the role relationship expectations play in evaluations people make of their relationships. Explored educational implications of data contrasting…