Research

 

 

Here is a brief research summary of RE. Below that is a bibliography of many of the published academic and research articles and books on RE and Filial. If you need additional information or a copy of a particular article, contact admin@skillswork.org.

Research on Effectiveness of the Relationship Enhancement® Program and RE Therapy
Premarital Education

Avery, Ridley, Leslie, and Milholland (1980) compared an eight-week, 24-hour Relationship Enhancement (RE) program with a Relationship Development Lecture-Discussion (RDLD) program of the same length and format. The premarital couples in the RDLD participated in lecture and discussion groups and reviewed material designed to promote better understanding of relationships and marriage. The researchers found that RE, a skills-training model involving supervised practice, yielded greater increases both in self-disclosure (apparent honesty and openness) and empathy (understanding and acceptance of partner). This finding held true immediately after the program and in a six-month follow-up.

Marriage Education/Enrichment

A meta-analytic study by Giblin et al. (1985) analyzed 85 studies with 3,866 couples or families varying widely in age, income, education, location, and nature of treatment. A meta-analysis is a unified statistical analysis of results from many individual studies for the purpose of integrating their findings and drawing additional conclusions from their data. Conducting a meta-analysis requires a common expression of treatment effectiveness, which is called “effect size.” Giblin et al. (1985) state that in social, personality, and clinical research, effect sizes typically range from -1 to + 1. The larger the effect size, the greater the difference between the compared groups. In the social sciences, relatively small effect sizes are the norm.

The study examined outcomes from 16 programs for married couples and four for families. In both categories, RE had by far the largest improvement, with the more distressed couples showing greater change than the less distressed. Whereas the average effect size of all couple and family programs was a moderate .44, the effect size for Marital and Family RE programs each averaged a very high .96. Using statistical tables, that means that the average individual in a Relationship Enhancement program does better than 83% of those in the control group.

Marriage Counseling/Therapy

Brooks (1997) studied the efficacy of Relationship Enhancement (RE) therapy in a rural, southern outpatient setting with distressed couples coming for marital therapy. The 41 participants who had completed the 12-week time-limited RE Couples Group Therapy were compared to the 20 participants who had been waiting for therapy during the 12-week period. Significantly more improvement occurred during the treatment than during the waiting period, and this difference was also found at the 12-week follow-up. This was the case for all variables studied: trust-intimacy, marital communication, adjustment, and problem solving.

Preliminary Studies and Case Reports. Aside from the tightly controlled experimental studies, Relationship Enhancement (RE) has been found to be effective with a wide variety of clinical and other special populations in preliminary empirical studies and case reports. It has been found to be effective at improving relationships and reducing symptoms and problems with psychiatric outpatients and their families, with patients in a community residential rehabilitation center, alcoholics, co-dependents, spouse batterers, depressed clients, juvenile delinquents, drug addicts in rehabilitation, and those suffering from narcissistic personality disorder. Because, with rare exceptions, the RE therapist does not intervene except to coach skills, leaving the participants free to resolve their problems/conflicts in accord with their own cultural values, RE has been recommended as particularly suited for African-American couples, and it is the basis for a program designed for cross-cultural couples’ counseling. Similarly, it has been deemed excellent with respect to gender sensitivity. Summary Statement of the Effectiveness of RE

Very strong evidence indicates that, for premarital couples, distressed and non-distressed married couples, and parents and their adolescent children, RE:

• improves the general quality of relationships, including trust and intimacy
• enhances the ability to communicate effectively, as evaluated by participants themselves and by condition-blind experts
• helps clients transfer the use of their skills to situations outside of the therapy
• improves participants’ ability to resolve conflicts and problems
• enhances personal psychological health not only indirectly, through improving family interactions, but also in terms of self-esteem and differentiation of self
• can be delivered effectively by para-professionals and lay leaders

The evidence is considered very strong because much of it is based on studies that randomly assigned subjects not only to control groups but also to alternative methods that were themselves effective. Also noteworthy is that the same leaders/therapists very often administered both treatments, which controls for personality variables, and that the participants rated leaders as equal in both treatments with respect to all measured traits: confidence, enthusiasm, understanding, acceptance, and genuineness.

These controls and other checks indicate that the results reflect the specific qualities of the treatment itself and not generic factors (such as experimenter-demand, placebo, suggestion, and Hawthorne effects) or differences in the personalities, attitudes, or leadership qualities of the group leaders.

Another source of confidence in the findings summarized here is the meta-analytic study (Giblin et al., 1985) comparing RE with other major enrichment/therapeutic approaches. This study shows that RE has by far the largest effect sizes – a measure of the superiority of the method to controls or other treatment groups.

The effects of RE not only are maintained in follow-ups of approximately a year (Griffin & Apostal, 1993; Waldo, 1986) but can become even stronger over time (Griffin & Apostal, 1993; B. Guerney, Vogelsong, & Coufal, 1983).

The latest developed RE materials have been written at a fifth grade reading level, and the directions for Leaders are written at an 8th grade reading level. New learning materials can teach RE to non-readers through the use of group instruction, coaching, and video. Most of the results of RE research were obtained with populations ranking at the bottom two levels (IV & V) of the Hollingshead Index of socio-economic/educational status; and that the results are based on at least as many rural subjects as urban subjects.

Accordino, M. P., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (2001). The empirical validation of Relationship Enhancement® couple and family therapy. Chapter 13 in D. J. Cain & J. Seeman (Eds.), Humanistic Psychotherapies: Handbook of Research and Practice, (pp. 403-442). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

Avery, A. W., Ridley, C. A., Leslie, L. A., & Milholland, T. (1980). Relationship Enhancement with premarital dyads: A six-month follow-up. American Journal of Family Therapy, 8, 60-66.

Brooks, L. W. (1997). An investigation of Relationship Enhancement therapy in a group format with rural, southern couples. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Florida State University School of Social Work, Tallahassee, FL.

Giblin, P., Sprenkle, D. H., & Sheehan, R. (1985). Enrichment outcome research: A meta-analysis of premarital, marital and family interventions. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 11, 257-271.

Griffin, J. M., Jr., & Apostal, R. A. (1993). The influence of Relationship Enhancement training on differentiation of self. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 19(3), 267-272.

Guerney, B. G., Jr., Vogelsong, E., & Coufal, J. (1983). Relationship Enhancement versus a traditional treatment: Follow-up and booster effects. In D. Olson & B. Miller (Eds.), Family Studies Review Yearbook Vol. 1. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications, 738-756.

Waldo, M. (1986). Group counseling for military personnel who battered their wives. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 2(3), 132-138.

 

 

MORE COMPLETE BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. MULTI-AREA, OVERVIEW, THEORY, AND PARADIGMS

Accordino, M. P., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (2002). The empirical validation of Relationship Enhancement® couple and family therapy. In D. J. Cain & J. Seeman (Eds.), Humanistic Psychotherapies: Handbook of Research and Practice. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association, 403-442. †

Authier, J., Gustafson, K., Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Kasdorf, J. A. (1975). The psychological practitioner as a teacher: A theoretical-historical practical review. The Counseling Psychologist, 5(2), 31-50.

Factor, D. C., & Morello, P. A. (1980). Introduction to the skills approach in mental health services: An educational model of therapy. The Ontario Psychologist, 12, 5-6.

Giblin, P., Sprenkle, D. H., & Sheehan, R. (1985). Enrichment outcome research: A meta-analysis of premarital, marital and family interventions. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 11, 257-271.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (Ed.) (1969). Psychotherapeutic agents: New roles for nonprofessionals, parents, and teachers. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1977). Relationship Enhancement: Skill Training Programs for Therapy, Problem Prevention, and Enrichment. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org *

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1977). Should teachers treat illiteracy, hypocalligraphy, and dysmathematica? Canadian Counsellor, 1977, 12(l), 9-14.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1978, June). The Relationship Enhancement program as an example of the skill-training approach to self-help. Paper presented at the International Workshop, “Changing Care and Cure: Patients as Facilitators in Care-Delivery,” sponsored by the Inter-Academic Hospital Sciences Working Group. (I.W.Z.), Maastricht, Holland.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1979). The great potential of an educational skill-training model in problem prevention. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 3(2), 84-86.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1982). Establishing a school for living cooperative: A proposal. In N. Stinnett et al. (Eds.), Building Family Strengths. Volume 4. Lincoln, Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press, 277-290. †

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1982). The delivery of mental health services: Spiritual vs. medical vs. educational models. In T. R. Vallance & P. M. Sabre (Eds.), Mental Health Services in Transition: A Policy Sourcebook. New York: Human Sciences Press, 239-241. †

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1985). The medical vs. the educational model as a base for family therapy research. In L. F. Andreozzi & R. F. Levant (Eds.), Integrating Research and Clinical Practice. Rockville, MD: Aspen Systems Corp., 71-79.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1990). Creating therapeutic and growth-inducing family systems: Personal mooring, landmarks and guiding stars. In Kaslow, F. (Ed.), Voices in Family Psychology, Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publishing Company, 114-138.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1994). Relationship Enhancement® Audio Program. Audio cassette recordings. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1994). The role of emotion in Relationship Enhancement marital/family therapy. In S. M. Johnson (Ed.) & L.S. Greenberg, The Heart of the Matter: Perspectives on Emotion in Marital Therapy. New York: Brunner/Mazel, Inc., 124-147.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1995). Stemming family disintegration: Causes, symptoms, and role of psychosocial skill-training. In Family: The First Imperative. The William J. and Dorothy K. O’Neill Foundation, 30195 Chagrin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44124, 117-129.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (2004). Relationship Enhancement® Program Auxiliary Manual, 3rd edition, 52 pages. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (2004). Relationship Enhancement® Program Participant’s Manual, 3rd edition, 114 pages. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (2005). Relationship Enhancement® Client Manual, 4th edition, 152 pages. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org *

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (2005). Relationship Enhancement® Couple/Marital/Family Therapist’s Manual, 4th edition, 333 pages. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org *

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1987). Interpersonal Skills for Business and Personal Relationships, 242 pages. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org

Guerney, B. G., Jr., Guerney, L., & Stollak, G. (1971/72). The potential advantages of changing from a medical to an educational model in practicing psychology. Interpersonal Development, 2(4), 238-245.

Guerney, B. G., Jr., Stollak, G. E., & Guerney, L. (1970). A format for a new model of psychological practice: Or, how to escape a zombie. The Counseling Psychologist, 2(2), 97-104.

Guerney, B. G., Jr., Stollak, G., & Guerney, L. (1971). The practicing psychologist as educator–An alternative to the medical practitioner model. Professional Psychology, 2(3), 276-282.

Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Vogelsong, E. L. (1980). Relationship Enhancement therapy. In R. Herink (Ed.), The Psychotherapy Handbook. New York: The New American Library, 562-565.

Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Vogelsong, E. L. (1981). Relationship Enhancement® Demonstration Tapes. Audio cassette recordings. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org *

Guerney, L., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1987). Integrating child and family therapy. Psychotherapy, 24(3S), 609-614. †

Joanning, H., Avery, A. W., Brock, G. W., & Coufal, J. (1980). The educational approach to social skills training in marriage and family intervention. In W. T. Singleton, P. Spurgeon, & R. B. Stammers (Eds.), Analysis of Social Skills. London: Plenum Press, 175-191.

Morello, P. A., & Factor, D. C. (1981). Therapy as prevention: An educational model for treating families. Canada’s Mental Health, 29, 10-11.

Snyder, M. (1994). The development of intelligence in psychotherapy: Empathic and dialogic processes. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Winter 34(1), 84-108.

2. FAMILIES

Family Therapy, Problem Prevention, and Enrichment Programs

Accordino, M. P., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (April, 2003). Relationship Enhancement® couples and family outcome research of the last 20 years. Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 11(2), 162-166.

Accordino, M. P., Keat, D. B. II, & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (April, 2003). Using Relationship Enhancement® (RE) therapy with an adolescent with serious mental illness and substance dependence. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 25(2), 152-164.

Aradi, N. S. (1985). Interaction and relationship: An interview with Bernard Guerney, Jr. The Purdue Family Therapist, Summer, 2(l), l-2.

Cavanaugh, J., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1985). The view sharing inventory for couples. In P. Keller & L. Ritt (Eds.), Innovations in Clinical Practice: A Source Book (Vol. IV). Sarasota, FL: Professional Resource Exchange, 285-304.

Coufal, J. D. (1975). Preventive-therapeutic programs for mothers and adolescent daughters: skill training versus discussion methods. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, The Pennsylvania State University. (summary segment)

Ginsberg, B. G. (1977). Parent-adolescent relationship development program. In B. G. Guerney, Jr., Relationship Enhancement: Skill-training Programs for Therapy, Problem Prevention, and Enrichment. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 227-267.

Ginsberg, B. G. (1989). Training parents as therapeutic agents with foster/adoptive children using the Filial approach. In C. E. Schaefer & J. E. Briesmeister, (Eds.), Handbook of Parent Training: Parents as Co-Therapists for Children’s Behavior Problems. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 442-478.

Ginsberg, B. G. (1995). Parent-Adolescent Relationship Program (PARD): Relationship Enhancement therapy with adolescents and their families (fathers and sons). Psychotherapy, Spring, 32(1), 108-112.

Ginsberg, B. G. (1997). Relationship Enhancement Family Therapy. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org

Grando, R., & Ginsberg, B. G. (1976). Communication in the father-son relationship: The parent adolescent relationship development program. The Family Coordinator, 4(24), 465-473.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1981). Marital and family Relationship Enhancement therapy. The Relationship, 7, 9-11.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1982). Relationship Enhancement. In E. K. Marshall & P. D. Kurtz (Eds.), Interpersonal Helping Skills. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Inc., 482-518.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1983). Marital and family Relationship Enhancement therapy. In P. Keller & L. Ritt (Eds.), Innovations in Clinical Practice: A Source Book (Vol. III). Sarasota, FL: Professional Resource Exchange, 40-53.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1984). Contributions of client centered therapy to filial, marital, and family Relationship Enhancement therapies. In R. Levant & J. Shlien (Eds.), Client-Centered Therapy and the Person-Centered Approach: New Directions in Theory, Research, and Practice. New York: Praeger Publishers, 261-277.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1984). Relationship Enhancement therapy and training. In D. Larson (Ed.), Teaching Psychological Skills: Models for Giving Psychology Away. Monterey, CA: Brooks/Cole, 171-206.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1985). Family therapy research: What are the most important variables? International Journal of Family Therapy, 7(1), 40-49.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1985). Person-centered therapy, therapists, and marital and family Relationship Enhancement therapies: Relationships. Renaissance, 2(3), l-3.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1988). Family Relationship Enhancement: A skill training approach. L. A. Bond & B. M. Wagner (Eds.), Families in Transition: Primary Prevention Programs that work. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications, 99-134.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1999). Relationship Enhancement® Family Therapy: The Experiential Format (P-Family). VHS videotapes. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org

Guerney, B. G., Jr. Relationship Enhancement® Marital and Family Therapies: An Updated Overview. Manuscript in progress.

Guerney, B. G., Jr., Coufal, J., & Vogelsong, E. (1981). Relationship Enhancement versus a traditional approach to therapeutic/preventative/enrichment parent-adolescent program. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 49, 927-939.

Guerney, B. G., Jr., Fraillon, J. M. G., Kirschner, D. A., & Kirschner, S. (1990). The adopted sister. In J. C. Norcross & N. Saltzman (Eds.), Therapy Wars: Contention and Convergence in Differing Clinical Approaches. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 218-241. *

Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Guerney, L. (1988). Building relationship skills in families and para-family teams. In D. H. Olson (Ed.), Family Perspectives in Child and Youth Services. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Press, Inc., 49-64. *

Guerney, B. G., Jr., Guerney, L., & Cooney, T. (1985). Marital and family problem prevention and enrichment programs. In L. L’Abate (Ed.), Handbook of Family Psychology and Therapy (Vol. II). Homewood, IL: The Dorsey Press, 1179-1217.

Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Maxson, P. (1990). Marital and family enrichment research: A decade review and look ahead. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 52, 1127-1135. †

Guerney, B. G., Jr., Vogelsong, E. L., & Coufal, J. (1983). Relationship Enhancement versus a traditional treatment: Follow-up and booster effects. In D. Olson & B. Miller (Eds.), Family Studies Review Yearbook Vol. 1. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications, 738-756. †

Guerney, B. G., Jr., Vogelsong, E. L., & Glynn, S. (1977). Evaluation of the Family Counseling Unit of the Cambria County Probation Bureau, 45 pages. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org

Guerney, L. (1993). Relationship Enhancement. In C. E. Schaefer (Ed.), The Therapeutic Powers of Play, Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, Inc., 267-290.

Guerney, L., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1985). The Relationship Enhancement family of family therapies. In L. L’Abate & M. A. Milan (Eds.), Handbook of Social Skills Training and Research. Somerset, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 506-524.† *

Guerney, L., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1989). Child Relationship Enhancement family therapy and parent education. Person-Centered Review, 4(3), 344-357.

Hardley, G., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1989). A psychoeducational approach to family therapy. In R. Figley (Ed.), Treating Stress in Families (Vol. 3), New York: Brunner/Mazel, 158-181.

Moore, C. D. (author), Guerney, B. G., Jr. (principal investigator). (1979). Fortifying family ties. (Written on the basis of an interview and materials supplied by B. G. Guerney, Jr.). Chapter in Families Today–A Research Sampler on Families and Children. NIMH Science Monograph (Vol. II). DHEW Publication No. (ADM) 79-815. Washington, D.C.: Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office.

Morello, P. A., & Factor, D. C. (1980). The parent-adolescent relationship development programme. The Ontario Psychologist, 12, 7-11.

Scuka, R., Nordling, W., & Guerney, B.G., Jr. (2004). Couples’ Relationship Enhancement® Program Educator/ Leader’s Manual. 3rd edition, 180 pages. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org

Saltzman, N., Driscoll, R., Fraillon, J. M. G., Guerney, B. G., Jr., Kirschner, D. A., & Kirschner, S. (1987). Clinical exchange: The adopted sister. Journal of Integrative and Eclectic Psychotherapy, 6(4), 480-495.

Snyder, M. (1995). “Becoming”: A method for expanding systemic thinking and deepening empathic accuracy. Family Process, 34(2), 241-253.

Vogelsong, E. L. (1975). Preventive-therapeutic programs for mothers and adolescent daughters: A follow-up of Relationship Enhancement versus Discussion and Booster versus No-Booster methods. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, The Pennsylvania State University. (summary segment)

Vogelsong, E. L. (1977). Don’t just talk – Communicate! The Single Parent, July/August, 20(6), 5-7 and 35-36.

Vogelsong, E. L. (1977). The art of healthy communication. Family Health/Today’s Health, July, 9(7), 26-28. (Interview)

Vogelsong, E. L., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1977). The Relationship Enhancement® Program for Family Therapy and Enrichment, VHS videotape, 45 minutes, (recommended for historical significance). Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org *

Vogelsong, E. L., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1980). Working with parents of disturbed adolescents. In R. R. Abidin (Ed.), Parent Education and Intervention Handbook. Springfield, IL: Charles G. Thomas, Publisher, 297-321.

Vogelsong, E. L., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1982). Relationship Enhancement in clinical practice. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 10, 73-77.

Vogelsong, E. L., Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Guerney, L. (1983). Relationship Enhancement therapy with inpatients and their families. In R. Luber & C. Anderson (Eds.), Family Intervention with Psychiatric Patients. New York: Human Sciences Press, 48-68.

Vondracek, F. W., & Corneal, S. (1995). Relationship Enhancement. In F. W. Vondracek & S. Corneal (Eds.), Strategies for Resolving Individual and Family Problems. Brooks/Cole Publishing Company, Monterey, CA, 248-261.

3. COUPLES

A. Premarital

Avery, A. W., Ridley, C. A., Leslie, L. A., & Milholland, T. (1980). Relationship Enhancement with premarital dyads: A six month follow-up. American Journal of Family Therapy, 8, 23-30.

D’Augelli, A. R., Deyss, C. S., Guerney, B. G., Jr., Hershenberg, B., & Sborofsky, S. (1974). Interpersonal skill training for dating couples: An evaluation of an educational mental health service. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 21(5), 385-389.

Ginsberg, B., & Vogelsong, E. L. (1977). Premarital relationship improvement by maximizing empathy and self-disclosure: The PRIMES Program. In B. G. Guerney, Jr., Relationship Enhancement: Skill-Training Programs for Therapy, Problem Prevention, and Enrichment. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 268-288.

Most, R. K., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1983). An empirical evaluation of the training of lay volunteer leaders for premarital Relationship Enhancement. Family Relations, 32(2).

Ridley, C. A., Avery, A. W., Dent, J., & Harrell, J. (1981). The effects of Relationship Enhancement and problem solving programs on perceived heterosexual competence. Family Therapy, 8, 60-66.

Ridley, C. A., & Bain, A. B. (1983). The effects of premarital Relationship Enhancement program on self-disclosure. Family Therapy, 10(1), 13-84.

Ridley, C. A., Jorgensen, S. R., Morgan, A. C., & Avery, A. W. (1982). Relationship Enhancement with premarital couples: An assessment of effects on relationship quality. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 10, 41-48.

Ridley, C. A., & Sladeczek, I. E. (1992). Premarital Relationship Enhancement: Its effects on needs to relate to others. Family Relations, 41, 148-153.

Sams, W. P. (1983). Marriage preparation: An experimental comparison of the Premarital Relationship Enhancement (PRE) and the Engaged Encounter (EE) Programs. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, The Pennsylvania State University. (summary segment)

B. Couple Therapy, Problem Prevention, and Enrichment Programs

Aradi, N. S. (1985). The relative effectiveness of the Relationship Enhancement therapy and strategic therapy for the treatment of distressed married couples. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Purdue University, Lafayette, IN. (summary segment)

Bailey, J. (1992). Learn to empathize. New Woman, March, 54-57.

Brock, G. W. (1974). A follow-up study of an intensive Conjugal Relationship Enhancement program. Unpublished Master’s thesis, The Pennsylvania State University. (summary segment)

Brock, G. W., & Joanning, H. (1983). A comparison of the Relationship Enhancement Program and the Minnesota Couple Communication Program. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 9(4), 413-421. †

Cavedo, C., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1999). Relationship Enhancement® (RE) enrichment/problem-prevention programs: Therapy-derived, powerful, versatile. In R. Berger & M. T. Hannah (Eds.), Handbook of Preventive Approaches in Couples Therapy. New York: Brunner/Mazel, 73-105.

Collins, J. D. (1977). Experimental evaluation of a six-month conjugal therapy and Relationship Enhancement program. In B. G. Guerney, Jr., Relationship Enhancement: Skill-Training Programs for Therapy, Problem Prevention, and Enrichment. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 192-266.

Couturier, L. (1990). Two days to a better marriage. Redbook, February, 80-81 & 140-144.

DeLong, C. (1993). The impact and perceived benefit of a communications skills-focused marital enrichment program (Relationship Enhancement) on couple types. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, The Pennsylvania State University. (summary segment)

Ely, A. L., Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Stover, L. (1973). Efficacy of the training phase of conjugal therapy. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice, 10(3), 201-207.

Figley, C., Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1976). Conjugal [Marital/Premarital] Relationship Enhancement Program (group couple therapy), VHS videotape, 35 minutes, (recommended for historical significance). Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org

Ginsberg, B. G. (1977). Parent-adolescent relationship development program. In B. G. Guerney, Jr. Relationship Enhancement: Skill-Training Programs for Therapy, Problem Prevention and Enrichment. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 227-267.

Ginsberg, B. G. (2000). Relationship Enhancement couples therapy. In F. M. Dattilio & L. J. Bevilacqua (Eds.), Comparative Treatments for Relationship Dysfunction. New York: Springer, 273-300.

Greene, G. J. (1985-86). The effect of the Relationship Enhancement program on marital communication and self-esteem. Journal of Applied Sciences, Fall/Winter, 10(1), 78-94.

Griffin, J. M., Jr. (1990). The influence of Relationship Enhancement training on differentiation of self. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of North Dakota. (summary segment)

Griffin, J. M., Jr., & Apostal, R. A. (1993). The influence of Relationship Enhancement training on differentiation of self. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 19(3), 267-272. †

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1990). Holistic marital therapy: Integrating marital therapy and enrichment. The Family Psychologist, Spring, 6(2), 20-22.

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1997). Relationship Enhancement® PhoneCoach® Program. Manual and audio cassettes. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org

Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1998). Marriage Education: Past, Present, and Future. Proceedings of the Family Impact Seminar Roundtable Meeting, Washington, DC: Family Impact Seminar, 15-21.

Guerney, B. G., Jr., Brock, G., & Coufal, J. (1986). Integrating marital therapy and enrichment: The Relationship Enhancement approach. In N. Jacobson & A. Gurman (Eds.), Clinical Handbook of Marital Therapy. New York: Guilford Press, 151-172.

Guerney, B. G., Jr., Nordling, W., & Scuka, R. (2000). How to Conduct Relationship Enhancement® Therapy with Couples and Families. VHS videotapes. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org *

Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Ortwein, M. C. (2008). Love’s Cradle: Building Strong Families through Relationship Enhancement®. Available from IDEALS, 813 Hillwood Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601. Information/order E-mail admin@skillswork.org

Guerney, B.G., Jr., & Ortwein, M. C. (2008). Mastering the Mysteries of Love Relationship Enhancement® Program for Couples. Available from IDEALS, 813 Hillwood Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601. Information/order E-mail admin@skillswork.org

Guerney, B.G., Jr., Ortwein, M.C., and Amin, Goli (2007) Relationship Enhancement® for Refugees and Immigrants. Published by and limited to use by US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, 2231 Crystal Drive, Suite 350, Arlington, VA 22202.

Guerney, B. G., Jr., Scuka, R., & Scuka, M. (1999). How to Conduct a Couples Relationship Enhancement® Program: A Video-based Home Study Program for Couple and Family Educators. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org *

Harrell, J., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1976). Training married couples in conflict negotiation skills. In D. H. L. Olson (Ed.), Treating Relationships. Lake Mills, Iowa: Graphic Publishing Co., 151-165.

Jessee, R., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1981). A comparison of Gestalt and Relationship Enhancement treatments with married couples. American Journal of Family Therapy, 9, 31-41.

Ortwein, M. C., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (2008). Ready for Love Relationship Enhancement® Program for Singles and Solos. Available from IDEALS, 813 Hillwood Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601. Information/order E-mail admin@skillswork.org

Palisi, A. T. (1992). Self-esteem and couples counseling. The Family Letter, 12(4-5), 1-8.

Rappaport, A. F. (1976). Conjugal Relationship Enhancement program. In D. H. Olson (Ed.), Treating Relationships. Lake Mills, Iowa: Graphic Publishing Co., Inc., 41-66.

Ross, E. R., Baker, S. B., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1985). Effectiveness of Relationship Enhancement therapy versus therapist’s preferred therapy. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 13(1), 11-21. †

Scuka, Robert F. (2005). Relationship Enhancement Therapy: Healing Through Deep Empathy and Intimate Dialogue. New York: Routledge. Available from NIRE/IDEALS, 12500 Blake Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Information/order: E-mail niremd@nire.org

Snyder, M. (1989). The Relationship Enhancement Model of couple therapy: An integration of Rogers and Bateson. Person-Centered Review, August, 4(3), 358-383.

Snyder, M. (2000). The loss and recovery of erotic intimacy in primary relationships: Narrative Therapy and Relationship Enhancement Therapy. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 8(1), 37-46.

Snyder, M., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1993). Brief couple/family therapy: The Relationship Enhancement approach. In R. A. Wells & V. J. Giannette (Eds.), Casebook of the Brief Psychotherapies. New York: Plenum Press, 221-234.

Snyder, M., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1999). The power of shared subjectivity: Revitalizing intimacy through Relationship Enhancement® couples therapy. In J. Carlson & L. Sperry (Eds.), The Intimate Couple. New York: Brunner/Mazel, 359-380. *

Steinweg, C. K. M. (1990). A comparison of the effectiveness of Relationship Enhancement and strategic marital therapy using the strength of the therapeutic alliance to predict statistically significant and clinically meaningful outcome. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Purdue University, Lafayette, IN. (summary segment)

Van Widenfelt, B., Markman, H. J., Guerney, B. G., Jr., Behrens, B. C., & Hosman, C. (1997). Prevention of relationship problems. In W. K. Halford & H. J. Markman (Eds.), Clinical Handbook of Marriage and Couples Intervention. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 651-670.

Wieman, R. J. (1973). Conjugal relationship modification and reciprocal reinforcement: A comparison of treatments for marital discord. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, The Pennsylvania State University. (summary segment)

SPECIAL PROBLEM CASES/ISSUES

A. Miscellaneous

Accordino, M. P., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1998). An evaluation of the Relationship Enhancement® program with prisoners and their wives. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 42(1), 5-15.

Accordino, M. P., & Herbert, J. T. (1997). Relationship Enhancement® as an intervention to facilitate rehabilitation of persons with severe mental illness. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 28(1), 47-52.

Adams, E. M., Waldo, M., Steiner, R., Mayfield, R., Ackerlind, S. J., & Castellanos, L. P. (October, 2003). Creating peace by confronting prejudice: Examining the effects of a multicultural communication skills group intervention. International Journal for the Advancement of Counseling, 19(57), 281-291.

Harman, M. J., & Waldo, M. (2004). Relationship Enhancement family therapy with narcissistic personality disorder. In M. M. MacFarlane (Ed.). Family Treatment of Personality Disorders: Advances in Clinical Practice. New York: Haworth Clinical Practice Press, 335-359.

Harman, M. J., Waldo, M., & Johnson, J. A. (1994). Relationship Enhancement therapy: A case study for treatment of vaginismus. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 2(2), 122-128.

Snyder, M. (1994). Couple therapy with narcissistically vulnerable clients: Using the Relationship Enhancement model. The Family Journal, 2(1), 27-35.

Waldo, M., & Harman, M. J. (1993). Relationship Enhancement therapy with borderline personality. The Family Journal, 1(1), 25-30.

Weiner, S. (1991). Seminar releases prisoners from emotional isolation. The B’nai B’rith International Jewish Monthly, 106(102), 18f.

Zahniser, J. H., & Falk, D. R. (1993). Relationship Enhancement marital therapy with a schizophrenic couple: A case study. The Family Journal, 1(2), 136-143.

B. Divorce

Avery, A. W., & Thiessen, J. D. (1982). Communication skills training for divorcees. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 203-205.

Guerney, L. (1981, April). Psychoeducational programming for children coping with parental separation and divorce. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association, Los Angeles, CA.

Guerney, L., & Jordon, L. (1979). Children of divorce–A community support group. Journal of Divorce, 2(3), 283-293.

Thiessen, J., Avery, A. W., & Joanning, H. (1980). Facilitating post-divorce adjustment in females through communication skills training. Journal of Divorce, 4, 35-44.

C. Drugs and Alcohol

Fonash, J., & Guerney, B.G., Jr. (1993). Relationship Enhancement therapy for co-dependency. In K. R. Falk & R. R. Fry (Eds.), Co-dependency and the Dysfunctional Family: A Collection of Papers. School of Education and Human Services, University of Wisconsin-Stout, 19-22.

Matter, M., McAllister, W., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1984). Relationship Enhancement for the recovering couple: Working with the intangible. Focus on Family and Chemical Dependency, 7(5), 21-23 & 40. *

Rose, M., Battjes, R., & Leukefeld, C. (1984). Family skills. Family Life Skills Training for Drug Abuse Prevention Booklet. National Institute on Drug Abuse, Rockville, MD, 15-17.

Waldo, M., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1983). Marital Relationship Enhancement therapy in the treatment of alcoholism. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 9(3), 321-323.

D. Violence

Guerney, B. G., Jr., Waldo, M., & Firestone, L. (1987). Wife battering: A theoretical construct and case report. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 15(1), 34-43.

Waldo, M. (1986). Group counseling for military personnel who battered their wives. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 2(3), 132-138.

Waldo, M. (1987). Also victims: Understanding and treating men arrested for spouse abuse. Journal of Counseling and Development, 65, 385-388.

Waldo, M. (1988). Relationship Enhancement counseling groups for wife abusers. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, January, 10(1), 37-45. † *

E. Diversity

Ibrahim, F. A., & Schroeder, D. G. (1990). Cross-cultural couples counseling: A developmental, psychoeducational intervention. Journal of Comparative Family Studies, Summer, XXI(2), 193-205.

Moore, C. D., & Fletcher, B. J. Relationship Enhancement family therapy: A culturally sensitive approach with African Americans. Manuscript in progress.

Snyder, M. A. (1992). Gender-informed model of couple and family therapy: Relationship Enhancement therapy. Contemporary Family Therapy, 14(1), 15-31.