Using the GARF Scale with Couples and Families

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(1) How would you incorporate the DSM-IV-TR into the assessment phase with a couple or family? (Include the Relational "V-Codes" and the GARF Scale) ?

According to Sporakowski (1995), assessment techniques used in counseling and marital therapy based on DSM-IV criteria can be useful in pinpointing specific problems in the relationship, and may be helpful in making the appropriate treatment decision. Incorporated into various approaches (e.g. emotional focused therapy) in the therapeutic intervention could be necessary information provided by the DSM-IV criteria. For example, studies have demonstrated that interpersonal issues involving couple and family relationships represent the most frequent content area of disorders such as depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorders [GAD](Yoon & Zinbarg, 2007). In their study, Yoon and Zinbarg used DSM-III and DSM-IV criteria to examine the relationship between couple functioning and GAD. The results suggested that GAD is associated with being in an intimate relationship, as a Linear-by-Linear Association measure equaled 16.08, p < .001. The results showed that GAD was significantly associated with the likelihood of entry into a marriage-like relationship. More significantly, the study identified GAD ...