Despite ample evidence that global indexes of religiousness are linked to family functioning, the mechanisms by which religion uniquely influences family dynamics are not well understood or empirically documented. To advance the scientific study of religion's role in families, we delineate how the construct of sanctification applies to marital and parent-child relationships as well as to the entire family systems according to diverse religious traditions. We define sanctification as a psychological process in which objects are perceived as having spiritual character and significance. We summarize the psychometric properties of two sets of measures that we have developed to assess the sanctification of marriage, parent-child relationships, and sexuality: Manifestation of God and Sacred Qualities scales. We hypothesize that sanctification has desirable implications for family life, supporting this assertion with empirical findings from our program of research. We also highlight the potential harm that may result from the sanctification of family relationships and discuss circumstances that may present particular risks (unavoidable challenges, violations by family members, loss, conflict, and intrapsychic and institutional barriers). Finally, we discuss future research directions to study more closely the influence of religion and sanctification on family life.

Objective The Family-to-Family Education Program (FTF) is a 12-week course for family members of adults with mental illness offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This study evaluates the effectiveness of FTF. Method A total of 318 consenting participants in five Maryland counties were randomly assigned to take FTF immediately or to wait at least three months for the next available class with free use of any other NAMI, community or professional supports. Participants were interviewed at study enrollment and 3 months later (at course termination) regarding problem and emotion-focused coping, subjective illness burden, and distress. We used a linear mixed effects multilevel regression model to test for significant changes over time between intervention conditions. Results FTF participants had significantly greater improvements in problem-focused coping as measured by empowerment and illness knowledge. Exploratory analyses revealed FTF participants had significantly enhanced emotion-focused coping as measured by increased acceptance, reduced distress, and improved problem solving. Subjective illness burden did not differ between groups. Conclusion This study provides evidence that FTF is effective for enhancing coping and empowerment of families of persons with mental illness, though not for reducing subjective burden. Other benefits for problem solving and reducing distress are suggested, but require replication.

Family psychoeducation programs have emerged as a strongly supported evidence-based practice in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Over 30 randomized clinical trials demonstrated that psychoeducation programs reduce relapse, improve symptomatic recovery, and enhance psychosocial and family outcomes. Recent work supports family psychoeducation strategies for other disorders, including major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and borderline personality disorder. This review summarizes the research evidence supporting prominent models of family psychoeducation. Professional and peer-led family education programs are also reviewed and differentiated from family psychoeducation. Directions for future research studies to enhance the evidence base and inform treatment recommendations are proposed. Finally, strategies for implementation of family psychoeducation in routine clinical practice are discussed.

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Family caregivers of persons with serious mental illness often turn to spirituality for support, and religiosity may be an important contributor to caregiver adjustment. Collaborative partnerships between mental health professionals and religious and spiritual communities represent a powerful and culturally sensitive resource for meeting the support needs of family members of persons with serious mental illness.