A Comparative Analysis of the Effectiveness of Conciliation Counseling on Certain Personality Variables*

Abstract

Twelve couples undergoing court‐ordered counseling in Iowa were compared to a “voluntary” counseling group, and a no‐counseling control group to see what changes, if any, would occur during the treatment period on certain personality variables, as measured by the Taylor‐Johnson Temperament Analysis (TJTA), and on perceived marital adjustment problems, as measured by the Marriage Adjustment Inventory (MAI). Dissolution rates were also compared post‐treatment. Minimal differences were found among the groups in the amount, and direction, of changes on the two instruments. Differences in dissolution rates were found, as expected, but court‐ordered counseling did appear to have a positive effect with some couples.

Divorce Therapy Outcome Research: A Substantive and Methodological Review

“…l k r o other studies (Irving et al, 1979;Thiessen et al, 1980) fell just short of a true experimental design in that their method of assignment was quasi-random (based on scheduling and availability). Three studies contained quasi-"control" groups, but these were actually comparison groups (Fisher, 1976;Kressel et al, 1980;Sampel & Seymour, 1980) because there was no random assignment or matching of treatment and "control" subjects. Hence, the comparability of the treatment and "control" groups is highly suspect.…”

A data-based reply to Hare-Mustin on family therapy perils.

“…These are legitimate hypotheses, but they are untested. In fact, there is not good evidence thus far that family therapy makes any demonstrable change in individual personality functioning, at least as measured by traditional personality inventories (Keller & Elliot, 1980;Sampel & Seymour, 1980). Hare-Mustin has not given any evidence or even convincing examples of how individual needs may contraindicate family therapy, THE IDEAL FAMILY Hare-Mustin further alleged that "to restore the family to healthy functioning, family therapists often intentionally or unwillingly work toward the ideal family represented in the traditional model."…”