This meta-analysis of 163 randomized trials (including 59 dissertations) examines a number of questions not studied in previous syntheses. These include differences in outcome associated with different theoretical orientations, differences between marital and family therapies versus individual therapies, the clinical significance of therapy outcome, differences between marital versus family therapies in both outcomes and problems treated, and the effects of various substantive and methodological moderators of therapy outcome. The review concludes with some observations about the methodological status of this literature.
This article reviews the major findings from a multiproject meta‐analysis of the effects of marital and family therapy (MFT). Across 163 randomized trials, MFT demonstrates moderate, statistically significant, and often clinically significant effects. No orientation is yet demonstrably superior to any other, nor is MFT superior to individual therapy. Cost effectiveness information is scant in these 163 studies, but supportive. Randomized experiments yield very different answers from nonrandomized experimental studies of the effects of MFT, calling into question whether we should mix the two in reviews. We have also found several new differences in the ways that marital therapy (MT) and family therapy (FT) studies are conducted, making them harder to compare. Finally, important questions still exist about whether any psychotherapy, including MFT, yet has sufficient information about how well research generalizes to everyday clinical practice.
As psychologists strive to affect human welfare in a positive way, their greater exposure and responsibilities have led to worry about potential malpractice lawsuits and state licensing board complaints. Are psychologists at increasing risk for litigation? What steps can they take to alleviate the stress and worry? A survey of licensed psychologists (N = 284) explored professional awareness, personal experiences, and practice activities related to complaints, malpractice lawsuits, and risk management. Professional psychologists are urged to stay informed regarding events and activities that may result in lawsuits or complaints and to practice in a manner that best provides protection.
We report the results of a random sample survey of the scholarly activities of PhD and PsyDtrained clinical psychologists. Like past researchers, we found that practicing clinicians produce few publications, although they are active in research in many other ways and are active consumers of research. The best predictors of scholarly activity are measures of the resources and incentives available in the worksite for engaging in such activities, but a positive attitude toward research was also a good predictor. In general, PhDs report more scholarly involvement than do PsyDs. But this difference diminishes in settings where fewer resources and incentives are available, to the point at which no differences in scholarly activity exist between PhDs and PsyDs in private practice or in settings where no paid hours are allowed to be devoted to research. He is currently associate professor of psychology at Memphis State University. His interests include program evaluation, metascience, and mental health policy, topics on which he has published over 40 articles, chapters, and books. He was an invited participant to the
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