Synopsis of Recent Family Therapy Research
RESEARCH-RELATED ARTICLES
Butler, C., Constable, C., Crossley, J., Hewson, H., Joscelyne, T., O'Neill, T., Oulton, S., & Pote, H. (2026). The reliability and validity of the Systemic Practice Scale. Journal of Family Therapy, 48(1), Article e70015. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.70015
Sanders, M. R., Chainey, C., Nicholson, J. M., Havighurst, S., Morawska, A., Higgins, D. J., Dawe, S., Dadds, M. R., Cann, W., Mazzucchelli, T. G., Mathews, B., Hawes, D. J., Toumbourou, J. W., & Hatherly, C. (2026). Catalyzing collective action in evidence-based parenting support: A model for effective research alliances. Family Relations, 75(1), e70078. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.70078
Park, C., & Harris, V.W. (2026). Social–emotional abilities, relationship commitment, and romantic relationship quality in married relationships: Structural equation modelling. Journal of Family Therapy 48(1), e70007. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.70007.
Gardner, D., Xiao, J. J., Blalock, J., & Brasher, M. (2026). Financial factors and couple relationship satisfaction: A systematic review using the TCCM framework. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926187.2025.2610780
Johnson, L. N., Wagner, K. N., Anderson, S. R., & Hunt, Q. A. (2026). Missing the forest for the details of routine outcome monitoring: A qualitative inquiry of clinicians' experience with the MFT-PRN. Journal of marital and family therapy, 52(1), e70114. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70114
CLINICAL PRACTICE
Marroquin, C. G., & Outler, C. (2026). Therapeutic touch in the Human Validation Process Model: A reflexive thematic analysis. Journal of marital and family therapy, 52(1), e70111. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70111
Negash, S., Chung, K., & Tadros, E. (2026). Family therapy post-incarceration: Perspectives and possibilities. Journal of marital and family therapy, 52(1), e70106. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70106
Colucci, L., Foroughe, M., Sloss, I. M., & Browne, D. T. (2025). Family functioning following a brief, virtual emotion-focused family therapy intervention for children's mental health. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry Advances, e70074. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcv2.70074
Finch, E., & Rivett, M. (2026). Systemic therapy through a pixelated lens: Using Minecraft in therapy with families that include autistic children and children with ADHD. Journal of Family Therapy, 48(1), e70020. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.70020.
Agoro, O. (2026). Diunital therapy: A multidimensional exploration of the legacies of colonisation, white supremacy and neoliberalism.Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 47(1), e70046. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70046.
December 2025
Barge-Chanty, R., Minassian, S., Hellier, E., Radjack, R., Grandclerc, S., & Moro, M. R. (2025). Families' experience of family therapy by videoconference during the first lockdown: A qualitative study. Family process, 64(4), e70073. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.70073.
Borduin, C. M., & Borduin, R. J. (2025). Multisystemic therapy for youths with problem sexual behaviors: Development and dissemination of a family-based treatment. Family process, 64(4), e70076. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.70076.
Boruchovitz-Zamir, R., Bar-Kalifa, E., & Diamond, G. M. (2025). Parental in-session behaviors and LGBTQ+ young adults' perceived parental rejection and acceptance in attachment-based family therapy. Family process, 64(4), e70079. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.70079.
Dey, C., Dixon-Grovenor, R. & Wilhelm, K. (2025). Climate change and mental health: Systems models for understanding and responding. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy 46(4), e70021. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70021.
James, P., Baudinet, J., Eisler, I., Konstantellou, A., Simic, M., Oldershaw, A., & Schmidt, U. (2025). What factors do parents/caregivers think impact change in family therapy for anorexia nervosa?: a qualitative study. Journal of eating disorders, 13(1), https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-025-01368-x.
Lindeman, S. K., Thuen, F. & Zahl-Olsen, R. (2025). Participants' experiences with the in-person and online Gottman Seven Principles Program for couples enhancement: A qualitative study. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 46(4), e70024. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70024.
Linderborg, C., Weimand, B., Falkov, A., & Östman, M. (2025). The family model in child and adult mental health services. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 79(8), https://doi.org/10.1080/08039488.2025.2570252
McNamee, S. (2025). Reimagining theories as conversational resources: Implications for family therapy. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 46(4), e70029. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70029.
Mena, M. P., Del Rey, G. M., Gutierrez, M. A., Gattamorta, K. A., Lazarus, R. A., & Santisteban, D. A. (2025). Culturally informed and flexible family based treatment for adolescents: enhancements to better serve adolescents with self-harm behavior. Frontiers in child and adolescent psychiatry, 4, 1516782. https://doi.org/10.3389/frcha.2025.1516782.
Morgan, P. C., Love, H.A., Morlan, G. L. & Hunt, Q.A. (2025). Dyadic profiles of romantic partners' suicidal risk and relationship distress presenting for couples therapy. Family Process,64(4), e70074. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.70074.
Potapovska, N., & Hinch, S.G. (2025). Between two languages, within two cultures: An autoethnographic study on therapeutic practice in a multicultural world. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 46(3), e70023. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70023.
Ward, C. (2025). Systemic approaches to loyalty and polarisation. Revisiting Ivan Boszormenyi‐Nagy's ideas in a contemporary context. Journal of family therapy, 47(4), e70002. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.70002
White, K.L., Errington, L. & Ruggier, S. (2025). Promoting parent agency across the world through the Parent Hope Project: The difference Bowen family systems theory makes. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 51(4), e70083. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70083.
October 2025
Chin, P., & Hinchey, K. J. (2025). Applying critical discourse analysis to broaching behaviors and racial discourse during family therapy with counselors in training. The Family Journal, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807251371963
Codecà, L., Anderson, S. R., Christensen, J. K., Jackson, J. B., & D'Aniello-Heyda, C. (2025). Client perspectives of premature discontinuation in couple therapy. Journal of marital and family therapy, 51(4), e70061. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70061
Furlong, M. (2025). Encouraging the local relationships that build solidarity: Thinking systemically about family therapy and climate change. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 46(3), e70005. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70005
Lin, C., Fuks, N., Maitland, L., & Kang, H. (2025). Barriers to systemic therapy services among transgender and nonbinary adults in Canada. Journal of marital and family therapy, 51(4), e70064. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70064
Marinho, A. C. S., Chagas, C., Galduróz, J. C., Sassi, F. C. O. M., Junior, E. S., Neto, F. L., & de Mello, C. B. (2025). New strategies for studies with families in borderline personality disorder: Challenges and potentialities of the use of genogram. Journal of marital and family therapy, 51(4), e70065. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70065
Moore, R. (2025). Some ways of being systemic in a time of climate and ecological breakdown. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 46(3), e70016. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70016
Nichterlein, M., & Morss, J. (2025). ‘“Son,” my father said to me, “someday this will all be yours”’: The clinic, the climate and a future. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 46(3), e70015. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70015
Rhodes, P. (2025). “No more heroes? Punk and family therapy after the cancellation of the future.” Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 46(3), e70017. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70017
Kocalar, H. E., & Avcı, R. (2025). A systemic family therapy intervention with an emerging adult exhibiting aggressive behaviours: A systematic case study. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 46(3), e70018. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70018
Nuntavisit, L., & Porter, M. R. (2025). The influence of therapist adherence on multisystemic therapy treatment outcome for adolescents with antisocial behaviours: A retrospective study in Western Australian families. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(8), 1310. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081310
Salamino, F., & Gusmini, E. (2025). Case report: Keeping the Milan approach legacy alive? Paradox and counterparadox working therapeutically with non-suicidal self-injury. Frontiers in child and adolescent psychiatry, 4, 1657395. https://doi.org/10.3389/frcha.2025.1657395
Stokkebekk, J., Huglen, I., & Nordvik, T. (2025). ‘Strengthening children in two homes’: A resilience-oriented approach to empowering children and their parents amid prolonged conflict. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 46(3), e70019. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70019
Triplett N. T. (2025). Outcomes for emerging therapists: Synthesizing two decades of trainee-centered research in C/MFT Master's programs. Journal of marital and family therapy, 51(4), e70069. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70069\
August 2025
Benedictson, J., Penner‐Goeke, L., Hogan, E., Wiens, R., & Theule, J. (2025). Family‐based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa: A meta‐analysis. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 46(2), e70001. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70001
Businaro, N., & Myra, S. M. (2025). Phenomenological mixed methods research on trainees’ experience of a family therapy and systemic practice training programme at VID Specialized University of Oslo. Journal of Family Therapy, 47(2), e12491. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12491
Colegrove, V., Havighurst, S. S., & Kehoe, C. (2025). Intervention for parents with a trauma history and their adolescent: Proposed mechanisms of change. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 46(2), e70004. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70004
Dunk, J., Watfern, C., Falco, C., Gillespie, S., Monaghan, G., Rhodes, P., & Vercammen, A. (2025). Navigating family systems in climate catastrophe: An open dialogue. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 46(2), e70002. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70002
Edwards, C., Fusilier, J., Allan, R., & Taylor, S. (2025). “It was a reminder of my own freedom”: Reflections on the first LGBTQ+ centered Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy Externship. Journal of Family Therapy, 47(2), e12494. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12494
Espinoza, S., Gutierrez‐Sabatini, N., Dadras, I., Lee, K. I., Duran, M., & Garabedian, A. (2025). A family centered approach to mandated reporting: An anticarceral praxis for couple and family therapists working with BIPOC families. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 51(3), e70022. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70022
Falco, C., Rhodes, P. and Dunk, J. (2025). Embracing our more-than-human family: Growing a systemic practice for planetary health and multispecies justice. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 46(2), e70007. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70007
McIntosh, J., N. Rottem, Z. Cloud, Kuntsche, S., Pradel, M., Painter, F., Hameed, M., Hartley, E. (2025). Contrasting team and co-therapy approaches to a walk-in family therapy program. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 46(3), e70014. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70014
Messent, P., & Aggett, P. (2025). ‘Doing risk better’: A relational, transparent and collaborative approach. Journal of Family Therapy, 47(2), e12492. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12492
Painter, F., Harverson, J., King, G., Evans-Whipp, T., Green, M. J., Mansour, K., Zhang, L., Whittle, S., Liontos, D., Olsson, C. A., McIntosh, J., & Australian Early Relational Health Network. (2025). Mapping the influence of infant–parent relational quality on life course relationships: A scoping review of prospective cohort studies. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-025-00527-5
Welsh, E. T., Cloud, Z. C. G., Boyd, J. H., & McIntosh, J. E. (2025). Essential design principles for a family digital mental health intervention: A Delphi study. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 51(3), e70045. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70045
May 2025
Anderson, J. R., Eisert, B. C., Kim, J. A., Fereidouni, H., Portillo, M. F., Sivandian, M., & Zehr, P. (2025). Forty Years of Couple Therapy Process Research and We Are Still Just Getting Started: A Review of Quantitative Research. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 51(2), e70013. https://doi/full/10.1111/jmft.70013
Bagarozzi, D. A. (2024). Evaluating Amplification Effects in Family Systems Therapies: Challenges for Researchers and Clinicians. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926187.2024.2437650
Cabrera‐Perona, V., Moriano, J. A., Lloret‐Irles, D., González‐Galnares, I., & Ordoñez, A. (2025). Assessing the Impact of a Family‐Based Intervention Program on Family Dynamics: A Pilot Study in the Context of Indicated Substance Abuse Prevention. Family Process, 64(1), e70024. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.70024
García‐Medina, C., Maya, J., & Jiménez, L. (2025). Therapeutic Process Through an Analysis of Significant Events in Psychodramatic Family Therapy. Family Process, 64(1), e70023. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.70023
Giacobbi, M., & Lalot, F. (2025). Unpacking trust repair in couples: A systematic literature review. Journal of Family Therapy, 47(1), e12483. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12483
Heiden‐Rootes, K., Linsenmeyer, W., Russon, J., Levy, S., & Diamond, G. (2025). Attachment‐Based Family Therapy for LGBTQ Youth in a Community Setting: A Community‐Engaged, Qualitative Pilot Study of Youth and Parent Experiences. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 51(1), e12765. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12765
Nleko, G., & Gutierrez, N. S. (2025). Rejunctive Moves Toward Systemic Healing: A Contextual Family Therapy Approach to Father’s Absence. Family Process, 64(1), e13101. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.13101
Ribas, A. L., Miranda, M. P., & Do Bú, E. A. (2025). Explaining the Mental Health Consequences of Internalized Racial Oppression: The Mediating Roles of Family Resilience and Collective Action. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 51(2), e70015. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70015
Pryor, J. B., & Jones, R. L. (2025). Therapists Working with Incarcerated Youth. Contemporary Family Therapy, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-025-09735-1
Ünal, E., & Ağralı, C. (2025). Evaluation of Learned Resourcefulness and Marital Adjustment in Individuals With and Without Disabilities. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926187.2025.2469179
Valipour, M., Golfam, M., Soheili, F., Lanz, M., Amani, A., & Hosseinian, S. (2025). Apologies in Couple Relationships: A Thematic Analysis. Contemporary Family Therapy, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-025-09734-2
Welch, T. S., White-VanBoxel, J., Timm, T. M., & Blow, A. (2025). A Task Analysis of Key Processes to Access an Exiled Part in Internal Family Systems. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926187.2025.2472766