This study examined the relationship between family structural and process variables and adolescent participation in family decisions and vigilant decision making. Data were obtained from a survey sample of 585 adolescents aged 12–18 years living in Adelaide, South Australia. Adolescents from one‐parent families participated in a greater number of family decisions than those from two‐parent families. Adolescents from families adaptable in allocating roles and setting rules participated in more family decisions than those from low adaptable families. Family socio‐economic status was significantly linked to the adolescent's self reported vigilance. High family cohesion, good parent‐adolescent communication and sound parental conflict resolution skills were also significantly related to adolescents' vigilant decision making, testifying to the importance of family environment in the socialization of adolescents for decision making

This paper presents a simplified model that has been found to be useful for those learning questioning skills within the Milan systemic approach to family therapy as well as for those who simply wish to develop some skills in circular interviewing. The model begins with the premise that clients frequently describe a problem in terms that are either too broad or too narrow. The model has two categories of questions: those that draw connections and thus broaden a client's understanding of their context and those that draw distinctions and thus narrow a client's focus where generalisations predominate. The model is presented within the context of other models of Milan systemic questioning and the contributions they have made.

The Maudsley model of family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa, first developed in the mid-1980s, has been the subject of a number of randomized controlled trials over the past 20 years, each demonstrating its efficacy. In the past 5 years, the model has developed into two streams with the emergence of a multiple family therapy format in the United Kingdom and Europe and the consolidation of single family practice in the United States, including the publication of a treatment manual. While the benefits of multiple family therapy have not yet been experimentally demonstrated, its potential lies in the solidarity that can be promoted between families in their fight against the anorexia. In this paper, we will argue that the standard manualized version of the Maudsley model might also be augmented to incorporate strategies that introduce a role for a wider community, specifically by employing practices derived from a model of generic family therapy called narrative therapy.

For many therapists the use of paradoxical techniques raises significant questions about professional ethics. The increasing use of paradoxical techniques in therapy lends a note of urgency to the debate. We discuss the ethics of coercion in therapy, informed consent regarding treatment, competency of the therapist, and trust in the therapeutic relationship as they relate to paradoxical strategies. We argue that most of the objections to paradoxical techniques are the result of a lack of understanding of a systemic view of behavior.The first written evidence of a paradoxical statement dates from the 6th century B.C., when a man from Crete, Epimenides, stated that "all Cretans are liars" (Weeks & L'Abate, 1982, p. 3). If this philosophical statement is false, then Cretans must tell the truth. However, Epimenides had just been proved to be lying because he was a Cretan. Yet if he lies, his statement must be the truth. Because of the limitations of language, the paradox cannot be solved. Adler (1914), Dunlop (1928), and Frank! (1975 have pioneered the use of paradoxical techniques in therapy. More recently, the writings of individuals from the Individuals such as

This study examined the relationship between parents' and adolescents' confidence and competence in making decisions. Data were obtained from a survey sample of 584 adolescents, aged 12–18 years living in Adelaide, South Australia. Data were obtained from a sample of 352 parents of the adolescents by means of a mail survey. Parents' decision‐making self‐esteem was related to the self‐esteem of young adolescents. The relationship was stronger for males than females. There was a relationship between mothers' decision‐making competence and the competence of young female adolescents. Thus, partial support was provided for modelling theory in regard to the role of parents in the socialization of decision‐making skills and confidence.