The profile of family psychology in Germany: Taking stock of the last ten years

Journal/Book: Psychol Erzieh Unterricht. 1997; 44: Kemnatenstrasse 46, D-80639 Munich 19, Germany. Ernst Reinhardt GmbH Co Verlag. 243-255.

Abstract: Based on a more precise psychological conceptualization of family relations it is argued that, on the one hand, the basic and practical aspects of family psychology are firmly rooted in scientific psychology, and, on the other hand, family psychology's systemic-interactive and contextualistic approach has much to offer to the discipline of psychology as a whole. In particular, family psychology is based on non-interventive and interventive research. Over the last ten years, basic psychological research on family relations has strongly gained momentum in German-speaking countries. The Same is true for the development of new family-diagnostic instruments. In contrast, process-and outcome-oriented evaluation studies on family intervention are still underrepresented. All in all, the knowledge base of family psychology seems to be strong enough to suggest the institutionalization of family psychology as a psychological specialty of its own.

Note: Article Schneewind KA, Univ Munich, Inst Psychol, Inst Bereich Personlichkeitspsychol & Psychodiagn, Leopoldstr 13, D-80802 Munich, GERMANY

Keyword(s): family psychology; systemic-interactive and contextualistic approach; basic family research; family diagnosis; family intervention; MARITAL DISTRESS; BEHAVIOR; PREVENTION

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