The Anatomy of Emotions in Family Therapy with Adolescents

Abstract

Emotions in adolescence can be consideredfrom a variety of viewpoints. Although it is not uncommon to address this topic within nonclinical and clinical populations, examination of emotions in adolescence from a treatment or intervention perspective is more unusual. This article discusses the emotions in adolescence literature from the vantage point of a particular, empirically-testedfamily-based intervention model, multidimensionalfamily therapy. Addressing the contemporary challenge to specify how research can influence practice, the article shows how research-based concepts guideformulation of therapeutic strategy, as well as a therapist's in-session behavior. Transcripts with commentaryfrom afamily therapy sessionfocus on a core emotion-relatedproblem with clinical and mtany nonclinical adolescents and their parents-chronic, stable, quick-to-escalate negative emotional exchanges between an adolescent and parent.