Kim Halford - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Kim Halford

Australian Institute of Family Studies 48 on a regular basis or visit the household. Many stepfam... more Australian Institute of Family Studies 48 on a regular basis or visit the household. Many stepfamilies are formed after divorce or separation and children often have ongoing contact or reside with their other biological parent. Stepfamilies may be defined in a number of ways. 'Stepfather families' are those comprised of a biological mother, her children and her partner. 'Stepmother families' are those comprised of a biological father, his children and his partner. 'Simple' stepfamilies are those with children from one partner's former relationship only, while 'complex' stepfamilies are those with children from more than one relationshipeither both partners' former relationships and/or joint children from the new relationship. While couples enter relationships with considerable optimism about their future together, living in a stepfamily is challenging. Compared with first-time married couples, couples in stepfamilies report more rapid declines in relationship satisfaction over time (Booth & Edwards, 1992) and have a heightened risk of separation (Booth & Edwards, 1992; Tzeng & Mare, 1995). Poor relationship outcomes are related to the presence of stepchildren. Remarried couples with stepchildren have lower marital satisfaction (White & Booth, 1985), more rapidly increasing levels of relationship distress over time (Kurdek, 1991), tepfamilies are an increasingly common family structure within Australia and most western countries. The term 'stepfamily' refers to a heterogenous group of families that are characterised by a couple relationship, where at least one partner has children from a former relationship who are not biologically related to their current partner. To be considered a stepfamily, the couple are usually cohabiting, may be legally married, may have joint children to the relationship, and one or both partners have children who reside with them

There is a strong association between alcohol and relationship problems, with each problem exacer... more There is a strong association between alcohol and relationship problems, with each problem exacerbating the other. In this program of research two studies were conducted. The first study was to investigate the variables that put couples at risk for developing a combination of relationship and alcohol problems. The second study was an evaluation of the effects of an integrated education program that promoted safe drinking and positive relationship interaction. Previous research shows that deficits in negative affect regulation and poor communication predict the onset of both relationship and alcohol problems. Based on these findings, it was hypothesized that deficits in communication exist in couples in which one or both partners drink at hazardous levels. In Study 1 communication of 85 couples (53 couples with no high-risk drinker and 32 couples with at least one at-risk drinker) in early stage committed relationships was assessed by observation of their interaction. Couples in whic...

PLOS ONE, 2020

Model 1: Depressive symptoms predicted by time.

Journal of family psychology : JFP : journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43), 2017

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the efficacy of an evidence-based rela... more The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the efficacy of an evidence-based relationship distress prevention program, the Couples Coping Enhancement Training (CCET), in dual well-earning couples and to investigate whether effects vary by (a) hours of professional contact and (b) mode of delivery (face to face vs. self-learning DVD). N = 159 couples were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 intervention conditions: (1) standard CCET (15 hours face to face), (2) compact CCET (12 hr face to face), (3) short CCET (self-learning DVD + 8 hr face to face), or (4) wait-list control group. Relationship satisfaction and dyadic coping skills were assessed by means of questionnaires completed prior to and 2 weeks after completion of the treatment, at 3-month follow-up, and at 6-month follow-up. Baseline latent change models for 2 factors showed that the CCET enhanced relationship satisfaction and dyadic coping skills in couples relative to the wait-list control group, albeit effects wer...

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2017

Objective: Relationship education (RE) usually is conceived of as relationship enhancement for cu... more Objective: Relationship education (RE) usually is conceived of as relationship enhancement for currently satisfied couples, with a goal of helping couples sustain satisfaction. However, RE also might be useful as a brief, indicated intervention for couples with low satisfaction. The current study evaluated the effect of RE on couples with low and high relationship satisfaction. Method: The study was a randomized controlled trial in which 182 couples were randomly assigned to: a book reading control condition (control); RELATE online assessment with feedback and relationship goal setting (RELATE); or RELATE with CoupleCARE (RCC), a flexible delivery skill-based education program. Couples were assessed on relationship satisfaction and individual mental health before and after RE, and through to 4-year follow-up. Results: Couples with high initial satisfaction showed no effects of RE on satisfaction. RCC but not RELATE increased satisfaction in couples with low initial satisfaction, but effects dissipated between 6 and 12 months after RE. There were no effects of RE on mental health. Conclusion: Flexible delivery RE produces immediate effects as an indicated early intervention for couples with low relationship satisfaction, but the effects attenuate. Future research needs to seek methods to produce better maintained effects. What is the public health significance of this article? Flexible delivery relationship education (RE) has no demonstrable benefit for couples high in satisfaction, and universal offering is not justified at this time. RE enhances relationship satisfaction in couples with low relationship satisfaction, but that effect dissipates across 6 to 12 months. Indicated offering of RE might be warranted, but there needs to be further research on how best to enhance maintenance of effects.

JMIR research protocols, 2016

Parental well-being can be seriously impacted during the challenging perinatal period. Most resea... more Parental well-being can be seriously impacted during the challenging perinatal period. Most research and support services focus on perinatal psychopathology, leaving a need for programs that recognize and enhance the strengths and well-being of parents. Furthermore, fathers have received minimal attention and support relative to mothers, despite experiencing perinatal distress. New parents have limited time and energy to invest in program attendance, and web-based programs provide an ideal platform for delivering perinatal well-being programs. Such programs are globally accessible, available at any time, and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection. This paper describes the protocol of a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects on first-time parents' perinatal well-being, comparing two versions of the online program Baby Steps. The clinical trial will randomize 240 primiparous mother-father couples to either (1) Babycare, an online information-only progr...

Behavior Therapy, 2015

Couple relationship education (RE) usually is conceived of as relationship enhancement for curren... more Couple relationship education (RE) usually is conceived of as relationship enhancement for currently satisfied couples, with a goal of helping couples sustain satisfaction. However, RE also might be useful as a brief, accessible intervention for couples with low satisfaction. Two studies were conducted that tested whether couples with low relationship satisfaction show meaningful gains after RE. Study 1 was a three condition randomized controlled trial in which 182 couples were randomly assigned to RELATE with Couple CARE (RCC), a flexible delivery education program for couples, or one of two control conditions. Couples with initially low satisfaction receiving RCC showed a moderate increase in relationship satisfaction (d = 0.50) relative to the control. In contrast, couples initially high in satisfaction showed little change and there was no difference between RCC and the control conditions. Study 2 was an uncontrolled trial of the Couple Coping Enhancement Training (CCET) administered to 119 couples. Couples receiving CCET who had initially low satisfaction showed a moderate increase in satisfaction (g = .44), whereas initially highly satisfied couple showed no change. Brief relationship education can assist somewhat distressed couples to enhance satisfaction, and has potential as a cost effective way of enhancing reach of couple interventions.

Behavioural Psychotherapy, 1993

This paper describes and evaluates the adaption of Behavioural Marital Therapy (BMT) to the needs... more This paper describes and evaluates the adaption of Behavioural Marital Therapy (BMT) to the needs of a couple in a secondary marriage (the husband was in his second marriage and brought three dependent children to this marriage). The couple presented with specific difficulties in negotiating parenting roles within the reconstituted family. BMT focused on promoting adaptive cognitions, affect and communication when discussing this specific issue. Evaluation used a multiple probe design assessing self-monitored stressful interactions about parenting, and daily marital satisfaction. Results showed significant reductions in the intensity and frequency of arguments from pre- to post-therapy, and increases in marital satisfaction. These gains were maintained at follow-up. Discussion focuses on future directions for adapting BMT to problems particular to secondary marriages.

Violence and Victims, 2010

The current study assessed if childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can be meaningfully classified into cl... more The current study assessed if childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can be meaningfully classified into classes, based on the assumption that abuse by a close family member differs in important ways from other abuse, and whether abuse classes were differentially associated with couple relationship problems. The childhood experiences and adult relationships of 1,335 Australian women (18–41 years) were assessed. Latent class analysis identified three classes of CSA: that perpetrated by a family member, friend, or stranger, which differed markedly on most aspects of the abuse. Family abuse was associated with the highest risk for adult relationship problems, with other classes of CSA having a significant but weaker association with adult relationship problems. CSA is heterogeneous with respect the long-term consequences for adult relationship functioning.

Journal of Family Psychology, 2001

Eighty-three couples were stratified into groups at high and low risk for relationship distress a... more Eighty-three couples were stratified into groups at high and low risk for relationship distress and randomized to either the Self-Regulatory Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (Self-PREP) or a control condition. As predicted, there were differential effects of Self-PREP on high-risk and low-risk couples. Because of low statistical power, results must be interpreted cautiously, but at 1-year follow-up high-risk couples in Self-PREP showed trends toward better communication than control couples. However, there was no difference in the communication of Self-PREP and control low-risk couples. High-risk couples receiving Self-PREP exhibited higher relationship satisfaction at 4 years than control couples, but in low-risk couples relationship satisfaction was higher in the control condition. High-risk couples seemed to benefit from skills-based relationship education, but low-risk couples did not. Couples who sustain mutually satisfying relationships experience many benefits. Relative to other people, those in satisfying marriages have lower rates of psychological distress, higher rated life happiness, and greater resistance to the detrimental effects of negative life events (

Journal of Family Psychology, 2008

There is some evidence that skill-based couples relationship education (CRE) enhances couples' ma... more There is some evidence that skill-based couples relationship education (CRE) enhances couples' maintenance of healthy, committed relationships. This article analyzes issues in the balancing of a limited but growing knowledge base on the effects of CRE with current social policy that is creating an impetus for widespread dissemination of CRE. It is suggested that enough is known to act now, and that by doing so, the field has a unique opportunity to substantially (and rapidly) add to the existing knowledge base. Specifically, there can be expansion of knowledge of the efficacy of CRE with diverse populations and service delivery contexts, as well as the influences on the reach of CRE to populations at high risk of future relationship difficulties. While the current article focuses on CRE, the issues discussed have relevance to warrant dissemination to many areas of family psychology intervention.

Journal of Family Psychology, 2010

To evaluate the effective components of couple relationship education, 59 newlywed couples were r... more To evaluate the effective components of couple relationship education, 59 newlywed couples were randomly assigned to one of two couple relationship programs (CRE): (1) RELATE, which involved receiving feedback on their relationship based on the on-line RELATE assessment; or (2) RELATE ϩ Couple CARE, which was RELATE plus completing the 6 unit Couple CARE relationship skill training program. Relative to RELATE, RELATE ϩ Couple CARE produced more improvement in couple communication, and high relationship satisfaction across the next 12 months in women. Men sustained high and similar relationship satisfaction in either condition. Skill training CRE has additional benefits for couples beyond assessment and feedback.

Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 2011

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent and common problem yet is rarely screened for, or ... more Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent and common problem yet is rarely screened for, or addressed, in couple relationship education (CRE). The current study examined the prevalence of IPV in 250 couples expecting their first child who were recruited into a study of CRE across the transition to parenthood. The couples were generally highly satisfied with their relationship, yet 32% reported at least one incident of IPV in the past 12 months, and 7% reported at least one spouse had been injured by IPV. The majority of violence was of low severity (pushing, slapping, or shoving), and the most common pattern was of reciprocal aggression between the partners. Given that even low severity IPV is associated with

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2004

Cancer diagnosis affects the psychological well-being of both patients and their partners, and ef... more Cancer diagnosis affects the psychological well-being of both patients and their partners, and effective coping has been suggested to be a conjoint process of mutual support. Ninety-four married women with early stage cancer and their partners were randomly assigned to couples-based coping training (Can-COPE), individual coping training for the woman, or a medical education control. Couples' observed support communication and self-reported psychological distress, coping effort, and sexual adjustment were assessed at diagnosis, after cancer surgery, and at 6-and 12-month follow-ups. CanCOPE produced significant improvements in couples' supportive communication, reduced psychological distress and coping effort, and improved sexual adjustment. Training in couples rather than individual coping was more effective in facilitating adaptation to cancer.

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1993

This study examined the generalization of behavioral marital therapy (BMT) and enhanced behaviora... more This study examined the generalization of behavioral marital therapy (BMT) and enhanced behavioral marital therapy (EBMT), which added cognitive restructuring, affect exploration, and generalization training to BMT. Couples' communication and cognitions were assessed in the clinic and at home. Both BMT and EBMT were effective in decreasing negative communication behaviors and cognition across settings, but there was little evidence of differential generalization or change between the treatments. A series of regression equations showed no significant association between the extent of change in communication or cognitions and change in frequency of marital disagreements or marital satisfaction. It is concluded that BMT results in impressive generalization of communication and cognitive change, but it remains to be demonstrated that these changes are crucial to improvements in marital satisfaction.

Family Process, 2007

Effective communication is assumed to help sustain couple relationships and is a key focus of mos... more Effective communication is assumed to help sustain couple relationships and is a key focus of most relationship education programs. We assessed couple problem-solving communication in 65 stepfamily and 52 first-time-marrying couples, with each group stratified into high risk and low risk for relationship problems based on family-oforigin experiences. Relative to partners in first-time couples, partners in stepfamily couples were less positive, less negative, and more likely to withdraw from discussion. Risk was associated with communication in first-time but not stepfamily couples. Stepfamily couples do not exhibit the negative communication evident in high-risk first-time-marrying couples, and available relationship education programs that focus on reducing negative communication are unlikely to meet the needs of stepfamilies.

Family Process, 2012

This study evaluated if the transition to parenthood is a window of opportunity to provide couple... more This study evaluated if the transition to parenthood is a window of opportunity to provide couple relationship education (CRE) to new parents at high risk for future relationship problems. Fifty-three percent of eligible couples approached agreed to participate in CRE and of these 80% had not previously accessed CRE. Couples were broadly representative of Australian couples having their first child but minority couples were under-represented. A third of couples had three or more risk factors for future relationship distress (e.g., cohabiting, inter-partner violence, elevated psychological distress, unplanned pregnancy). Low education was the only risk factor that predicted drop out. The transition to parenthood is a window of opportunity to recruit certain types of high risk couples to CRE.

Cognitive Therapy and Research, 1988

, and Brian Bishop for their valued help in conducting this study, and Mark Dadds and three anony... more , and Brian Bishop for their valued help in conducting this study, and Mark Dadds and three anonymous reviewers for making constructive suggestions on earlier drafts of this manuscript.

Clinical Psychology Review, 2013

Education enhances the relationships of couples with low satisfaction. ► Education helps some hig... more Education enhances the relationships of couples with low satisfaction. ► Education helps some high risk couples maintain relationship satisfaction. ► The mediators of education effects are likely moderated by couple risk profiles. ► A stepped model of varying intensity education is recommended.