Marriage and Family Therapy

About the author: Chen Yiyun graduated from the Russian Language and Literature Departraent at Beijing University in 1964. She then enrolled at the Sociology Institute of the China Academy of Social Sciences in 1978. Upon graduation, she remained at the Institute as a research fellow. She later became editor-in-chief of the magazine Sociology Abroad. She translated and edited dozens of sociology books. In 1988, after she returned from the United States, she devoted herself to the research of sociology and marriage consultation. In 1993, Chen set up the Jinglun Family Science Center, a non-governmental organization which is a combination of scientific research and social practice. She organized scholars, social workers and volunteers from sectors of public health, education and legislation to conduct useful activities to promote democracy in the family, equality, health and civilization.

Analogous Systems Principles and Concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Congruence Couple Therapy

This article explicates the analogous principles and concepts between traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and congruence couple therapy(CCT).Although originating out of vastly different times and places,TCM and CCT share a view of health based on systems understanding to facilitate the interconnections of the parts of an organism rather than focusing on eliminating symptoms.Both approaches aim to release Qi(气)and vitality by removing blockages through adjusting the interactions,adaptation,and balance of multiple elements and Yin‑Yang energies.The goal is to liberate the Qi or life force through improved holistic balance and cooperation.While TCM focuses on interventions at the level of the body,CCT focuses on the attention,awareness,acknowledgement,and alignment of the four human dimensions consisting of the intrapsychic,interpersonal,intergenerational,and universal‑spiritual.In light of the current trend toward increasing mental,substance use,and neurological disorders,in particular among countries of middle and low income,dialogue to explore these compatibilities between TCM and CCT is conducive to the continuous evolution of TCM and Western therapies to address not only physical health but also the exigencies of contemporary addiction and mental health care within a mind–body relationship matrix.

Effects of family cognitive therapy on aggressive behavior,family functioning,and marital quality in patients with major depression

BACKGROUND Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder with significant impacts on individuals and families.We hypothesize that combining family cognitive therapy(FCT)with pharmacotherapy will be more effective in managing depression and improving family dynamics than pharmacotherapy alone.AIM To investigate the effects of FCT combined with sertraline on depression,aggressive behavior,and family functioning in patients with major depressive disorder(MDD).METHODS This study involved 178 patients diagnosed with MDD at the Shaoxing 7th People's Hospital from January 2022 to April 2024.Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received FCT.FCT included both patientfocused cognitive therapy and family-focused psychological guidance over a 12-week period.RESULTS The observation group receiving combined treatment showed significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms(Beck Depression Inventory scores:27.4±4.7 to 18.6±5.2)compared to the control group(28.1±5.5 to 20.9±4.9),with P=0.031 for the difference between groups.Improvements in family functioning and marital quality were also observed,with P<0.001 for key dimensions on the Family Assessment Device and Enrich Marital Scale.CONCLUSION The combination of FCT with sertraline effectively reduces depressive symptoms and improves family dynamics in patients with MDD.