Family psychopathology : the relational roots of dysfunctional behavior /

Edited by a respected clinician/researcher (L'abate is emeritus, George State Univ.), this book on family relationships and interactions and their influence on psychopathology embodies diversity in a number of ways. First, the contributors come from all over the US, Europe, Australia, and Canada. Second, the topics are extremely varied, ranging from theoretical chapters on the changing nature of the family and the implications of cultural factors for family psychotherapy to substance abuse, schizophrenia, depression, aggression and violence, and psychosomatic disorders and to intervention and therapeutic strategies. Last, the chapters vary in quality. The excellent chapters on parenting and psychopathology and on intervention will serve well not only the clinician but also the researcher in this area. Some of the chapters on theory are less informative. Notable omissions include the early work of Carl Whitaker, a pioneer in the field of family therapy, and the important work of Bertram Karon on schizophrenia. But these are relatively minor shortcomings. This will be a useful addition to the growing literature on the family as an important context of psychopathology. J. P. McKinney; formerly, Michigan State University