No abstract

We discuss the theoretical relationship between the social networks of psychotherapy patients and effective psychotherapeutic process. We argue that this network of significant and meaningful ties constitutes a potentially powerful influence on the way an individual interacts with other social systems, including the psychotherapy service delivery system. While noting that there is a common awareness of a causal link between the social forces of networks and individual's responses to treatment, we point out that interpersonal linkages have not yet been developed as a major class of independent variable and then systematically examined by psychotherapy researchers. We delineate network characteristics thought to be particularly relevant to several common elements of effective psychotherapeutic process, and then present findings from social network/psychotherapy studies suggesting that the role of the social network of psychotherapy patients is not only important in theory, but also to successful psychotherapy. These examinations of the connections between psychotherapeutic process and the existing social network in which the patient is embedded suggest a potentially fruitful integration of clinical and social psychology.

No abstract

This study examined the role of social support from parents, as well as other family members, friends and neighbors for the psychological well-being of 98 recent and still grieving widows. The survey results suggest that the effectiveness of the social support provided recent widows is largely dependent upon who is providing it. Aged parents were the must crucial sources of support; even large amounts of support from others, including their own children, was virtually ineffective. This research suggests that more attention should be focused on the important ways middle-aged or older children may depend upon their elderly parents.

This study explored how certain social/ cultural conditions influence women's psychotherapy treatment needs. To this end, we assessed the primary presenting problem and mental health functioning of a sample of 379 women who sought psychotherapy. Relevant subgroups were formed based on life circumstances (e.g., single-parent women, "roleless" women, ever-single professional women). Comparisons of the reasons for treatment and level of mental health functioning at presentation were made between the full sample of women patients and each life circumstances group. Relevant comparisons between the different life circumstances groups were also made. The results indicated that clinically relevant differences in treatment needs exist among women patients in different life circumstances. These findings have important treatment and training implications.