Date of Award
1993
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
This quasi-experimental study investigated the short-term effects of collaborative assessment in family therapy. The sample consisted of 39 subjects from 20 families who sought counseling at the family therapy clinic of a midwestern university. Families were sequentially assigned to one of two conditions: collaborative assessment (involving intake and feedback sessions with discussion of the results of the Family Assessment Measure III, followed by eight weeks of family therapy) or eight weeks of family therapy only. Dependent variables measured family dynamics, quality of feedback, and subjects' responses to feedback and therapy. These were measured by the Family Environment Scale, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale III, the Beavers-Timberlawn Evaluation Schedule, the Child Behavior Checklist, and six questionnaires. Six null hypotheses were tested using both parametric and non-parametric procedures. Significant decreases (p $<$.05) were found in parental reporting of aggressive and externalizing behaviors of identified-patients. Post hoc analysis indicated that system maintenance, cohesion, and social status variables may impact responsiveness to the combination of collaborative assessment and family therapy. It was concluded that collaborative assessment may have a constructive short-term impact when used in family therapy. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, John Gregory, "The Short-Term Effects Of A Collaborative Assessment Process In Family Therapy" (1993). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 911.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/911