The Impact of Physical Health, Race, and Financial Status on Relational Satisfaction

Relationship satisfaction is a subjective and global evaluation of a romantic relationship based on a sense of happiness, contentment, and fulfillment felt by a partner. Prior research demonstrates that relationship satisfaction can help mediate difficult life situations and stress and may contribute to a partner’s well-being and health. However, the literature examining partner-specific sources of relational satisfaction are lacking. Through a medical family therapy lens, this study examined women’s reported physical health’s impact on relational satisfaction. A total of 555 women in romantic relationships completed a survey with questions from the Medical Outcomes Study 20-Item Short-Form Health Survey and the Relationship Assessment Scale. A hierarchical linear regression indicated that physical health, race, and financial status were significant predictors of relational satisfaction. Findings highlight the importance of physical health’s impacts on relational satisfaction and provide clinical implications and future directions on strengthening couples’ relational satisfaction.

Couples Coping with Cancer: Implications of Adaptive Process and Relationship Outcomes in Recent Findings for Marriage and Family Therapists and Medical Family Therapists

The majority of patients with cancer experience clinically significant levels of distress (Dyson et al., 2012; Kwak et al., 2013; Yanez, Garcia, Victorson, & Salsman, 2013) that varies by age at diagnosis, cancer type, and psychosocial needs. Across multiple oncology studies, it has been reported that relationships with family and friends are important sources of support throughout the cancer experience (e.g., Goodall, King, Ewing, Smith, & Kenny, 2012; Miedema, Zebrack, 2011). However, a close relationship can also be a source of distress for patients with cancer, particularly those who are emotionally unavailable or unable to handle stress (Synder & Pearse, 2010; Zebrack, Chesler, & Kaplan, 2010). Contributors to the oncology literature suggested that distress levels between patients and their partners are interrelated (Gregorio et al., 2012; Juth et al., 2015; Kim & Given, 2008; Segrin et al., 2007). Dyadic research that includes patients and their partners is necessary for developing programs and interventions better targeted at meeting patients’ and their partners’ needs. Yet, these factors and the exploration of adaptive processes have not been examined among couples who are facing cancer. In light of these facts, several implications are provided for clinical practice, future research, policy, and the field of medical family therapy based on the above-mentioned studies (Rajaei & Jensen, 2020; Rajaei et al., 2021a).

Empowering Patients in Integrated Behavioral Health-Care Settings: A Narrative Approach to Medical Family Therapy

Integrated behavioral health care (IBHC) provides patient-centered care, which assures full considerations of patients’ needs and promotes patients having a voice in decisions about their own health care. In this article, we consider narrative therapy as an empowering, nonpathologizing, and collaborative approach for medical family therapists and behavioral health practitioners to better help patients, families, and health-care systems in IBHC settings. Clinical examples are provided for effectively utilizing narrative therapy in IBHC settings across various stages of treatment. Using narrative medical family therapy informed by cultural humility, therapists can empower patients, help them reauthor their story through the lens of their experience, and validate their worldviews.

Medical Family Therapy in Home-Based Settings: A Case Application

Medical family therapy (MedFT) is a systemic, biopsychosocial meta-framework by which clinicians provide therapeutic services to patients and their families who are experiencing physical health problems. MedFTs conceptualize families holistically and further work with families to develop a sense of agency and communion to improve their lived experience. Home-based family therapy (HBFT) is a method of treatment in which clinicians and other mental health professionals meet clients and their families where they are by providing therapeutic services at their clients’ places of residence. However, there is a gap in existing literature regarding the application of MedFT within the HBFT setting. The purpose of this article is to explore how MedFT can be utilized in home-based therapy settings. Moreover, a case application is provided to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the utilization of MedFT in HBFT settings.

Exploring the Utilization of Structural and Medical Family Therapy With an Incarcerated Mother Living With HIV

The incarcerated population is considered an underserved population, specifically in regard to their ability to access and receive mental health services. There is a gap in existing literature addressing the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals who also suffer from chronic illnesses. The purpose of this case study is to provide an exploration of how medical family therapy and structural family therapy can be integrated to inform the treatment of incarcerated individuals and their families who are experiencing a physical health illness. A case application will be provided to highlight how the integrated approach can be utilized to conceptualize and treat those incarcerated and their families. Treatment was shown to be effective as evidenced by the outcomes of an incarcerated mother with HIV and her daughter.