This study investigates the differential treatment efficacy of Experiential Systemic Therapy (ExST) with a comparison treatment called Supported Feedback Therapy (SFT) as it is applied to the problem of alcohol dependency. The inquiry also compares the treatment effectiveness of ExST when offered to the individual alcoholic (ExST-I) and when provided in couples therapy conjoint treatment (ExST-C). An ecological approach to assessment was developed for the investigation. Selfreport questionnaires tapping an array of areas including indices of alcohol use, intrapersonal functioning, couples adjustment, and family characteristics were employed to measure treatment effects from the perspectives of father, mother, and eldest child. Participating families met inclusion criteria including an alcoholic dependent father and a non-alcohol abusing mother in a state of marital distress residing in an intact family situation with at least one child living at home. One hundred and fourteen families were randomly assigned to participating therapists and one of three treatment conditions including ExST-I, ExST-C,or SFT. Therapy was conducted at two out-patient clinics, one located in an urban setting and the other operating in a rural context. Data were collected from all participating families before and after treatment. Data were also gathered at a three month follow-up from participants in the ExST-I and ExST-C treatment conditions. The results of the mixed model multivariate analyses indicated that there were no significant differences between ExST and SFT evident at post-treatment; however, both treatments were found to have promoted highly significant improvements on measures of drinking behavior, intrapersonal symptomology, marital adjustment and family satisfaction. When ExST-I and ExST-C were compared, the results revealed no significant differences between the treatment formats although both parents reported highly significant post treatment changes on all instruments. Additionally, the significant changes associated with ExST-I and ExST-C which were reported by both parents at post-treatment were found to be equally durable at the end of a three month follow-up. The results of the analyses based on the eldest child’s perspective showed that the assessments of family satisfaction were unaffected by the treatment conditions and remained consistent across all measurement occasions. Within system analyses which provided detailed examination of the magnitude of changes reported by both parents at post-treatment were performed. The within system results based on measures probing the assessment domains of alcohol, intrapersonal, couple and family from the father and mother perspectives, revealed that the improvements achieved by the treatments were far reaching and touched a wide array of areas in statistically significant and clinically relevant fashions.

This study examined the effectiveness and acceptability of conjoint behavioral consultation (CBC) and videotape therapy (VT) in the remediation of behavior problems in children. Further, this investigation sought to examine changes in parental practices such as levels of involvement, limit setting, and autonomy granting, following participation in either CBC or VT. An A/B design was used and participants included six boys between the ages of three and nine, and their parents. Based on parental observations in the home, children in both conditions evidenced a reduction in their target behaviors from baseline to treatment (effect sizes = -0.10 to -3.27). Parental perceptions of treatment acceptability of both interventions were high at pretest ( M = 62.57, SD = 3.95) and at posttest (M = 63.37, SD = 5.09) for the entire sample. Overall, parents perceived themselves as involved in their children's lives, as well as able to set limits for them and promote their autonomy. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings, limitations of the study, and future research directions are discussed.

A family-focused intervention model, based on Bailey at al. (1986) was adapted and utilized with 16 families having infants (birth to three years) with moderate or severe developmental disabilities. The intervention included the selection and development of appropriate instruments as well as a 20-week treatment program for the entire family unit. Individualized family service plans were developed and incorporated the collaborative efforts of parents and the interventionist. Multiple baselines across targeted, individualized, familial behaviors resulted in progressive skill attainment by each family member. As a result of intervention, predominantly positive interactions were exhibited between infants with handicaps and their family members. Data obtained from the family assessment tools revealed statistically significant relationships among the family variables. Qualitative analyses of parental and sibling statements and behaviors confirmed enhancement of their skill repertoire and the identification of specific events that impacted upon families. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the family-focused intervention model resulted in high levels of parental satisfaction, accelerated rates of progress by children with moderate or severe developmental disabilities, and acquisition of functional skills by families. Positive benefits of the model exceeded family gains acquired with previously implemented child-focused programs. Implications for future research are described.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas, 2007. / "December 2007." Includes bibliographical references (p. 87-100).

Thesis (Th. M.)--Calvin Theological Seminary, 2006. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 104-110).

Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2008. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 43-45).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 2006. / Adviser: Nicholas Mazza. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 227-238). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Th. M.)--Dallas Theological Seminary, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references(leaves [59]-66).

Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on Feb 26, 2010). The entire thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file; a non-technical public abstract appears in the public.pdf file. Dissertation advisor: Dr. Debora Bell. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.