A solution focused family checkup as a positive intervention in family therapy

This study seeks to examine the efficacy of a two-session family checkup, using a Solution Focused approach as a positive intervention for interrupting family dysfunction that is both ecologically and psychologically acceptable to families in distress, who otherwise might not seek: family therapy. Families and marriages currently suffering distress are often unable to afford professional services due to ecological issues such as transportation, child care, time commitment to therapy, and previous negative therapeutic experiences. Additionally many persons are averse to seeking counseling or therapy due to the psychological stigmatization of having to attend to professional guidance and/or assistance. Using a convenience sample of varied family make-ups, participants completed the Family Assessment Measure III, the Martial Satisfaction Inventory-Revised, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale at a time one and time two intervals, approximately 30 days apart, where the instruments are designed to measure family functioning fulfillment, marital satisfaction, and mood. Data was analyzed using Chi-Square's, Independent t-tests, and AN OVA'S to look for relationships among the variables as well as differences in time one and time two measurements. The results suggested that a Solution Focused Family Checkup is effective in helping families make desired changes in areas of tasks and functions that maintain efficacy at a 30 day follow-up interval, and that some significant changes may occur in the marital dyadic relationship as well. The results also suggested that the more symptomatic the family the more likely they were to not seek therapy due to the symptomatic behaviors and the psychological stigma's associated with seeking professional assistance. Ecological issues related to seeking therapy did not rate statistical significance. However, in all cases the briefer the therapy and the affordability of assistance were the most important choices in ecological information.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Family Therapy

Grantor

Texas Woman's University

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Spinks, Donald W.

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Jennings, Glen

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Metcalf, Linda
• Marshall, David

• Solution-focused therapy
• Family assessment
• Family psychotherapy

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11274/291

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:twu-ir.tdl.org:11274/291