MFT5106-1

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Psychology

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Apr 3, 2024

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MFT-5106 Personal Clinical Focus Please describe your personal clinical focus (PCF), which centers on a specific presenting problem using the boxes below. You will work with this PCF for the rest of this course. Imagine that you are preparing a fact sheet on this disorder for new clinicians. You should use and cite peer-reviewed journal articles, scholarly clinical books (e.g., the DSM-5), or reputable mental health websites (e.g., National Institute of Mental Health [NIHM] or Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA]) to support the claims you make below (and then include these sources in correct APA format on the reference list at the end of the document). My Personal Clinical Focus I. Briefly describe this presenting problem. Please also explain why you are interested in learning more about this presenting problem and clarify how it is relational/systemic (therefore relevant to MFT) and congruent with your specialization (if you have declared a specialization in the program). More research is needed on personality traits or personal characteristics that influence infidelity behavior (Fish et al., 2012). This is interesting because, as therapists, we study behavior. In order to study infidelity behaviors, it would be substantial to analyze the behavioral characteristics of those who participate in infidelity. Also, with enough evidence, there may be an evolution or adaption of the Attachment Injury Resolution Model to treat those who caused the attachment injury within the relationship. I have yet to declare a specialization since National University has only General MFT studies for California residents. However, before my transfer, I was deciding between Systemic Sex Therapy and Individual/ Couples and Family Therapy. Infidelity can be a subject for either specialization. II. Summarize the prevalence/incidence of this problem (i.e., how many people experience it?) Maiken and Ediger (2011) state that therapists have reported that 30- 65% of their couples are in therapy for infidelity. In this article, they claim physical infidelity is the more common type of affair, with 26% of women and 50% of men reporting having an extramarital affair (Maiken & Ediger, 2011). Emotional affairs are the second most commonly reported, with 25% of women and 45% of men reporting having an affair that was not sexual but deeper than friendship (Maiken &Ediger, 2011).

III. What are the most common symptoms/issues associated with this problem? Infidelity or extramarital affairs are cited as the most common reason for breakups or divorce (Girard et al., 2018). Also, as a result of a spouse’s infidelity, the injured party may deal with PTSD symptoms or have to deal with an attachment injury (Connor & Wooley, 2018; Bird et al., 2007; Schade & Sandberg, 2012). IV. Paint a picture of who experienced this presenting problem. Describe variability related to biological sex, gender identity, age, race/ethnicity, SES and any other relevant demographic variables (e.g., religion, country of origin, sexual orientation). Those in many demographics commit infidelity. Bird et al. (2007) studies the healing of relationships after infidelity among Christian couples. Most infidelity statistics are presented as men vs women, with independent studies having a more specific population. In a study by Mark, et al. (2011), they found, in their sample population, that 23% of men and 19% of women participated in infidelity during their current relationship. The median age of those engaging in infidelity is 31 years old. Also those who were found to participate in infidelity were less lkely to be religious. V. Discuss the clinical significance of this presenting problem. In other words, why should we be concerned about this issue? What are the consequences for individuals, couples/families, and society if this presenting problem is not treated? Since the act of infidelity can be a detriment to the relationship, studying the characteristics of those who commit infidelity will allow individuals to observe their backgrounds and reframe their behavior. This will allow for future healthy relationships as the individual will understand more about their own pattern of behavior. If this problem is not studied and treated, the current studies on infidelity may not be enough to help repeat offenders. VI. Describe how you envision those experiencing this presenting problem might enter therapy (e.g., would they come as a couple or a family, would one person come alone, would one family member “drag” another family member in?). Explain whether those with this presenting problem would commonly be referred by certain referral sources (e.g., their school, the court system, a health care provider).

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