Research for the real world: integrating research with seven couple cases

This chapter considers many significant issues pertinent to any couple whose child has died, including the difficulties when the parents' grieving is "incongruent," who or what to blame for the death of the child and how long the grieving should last. Clinical supervision can enhance the possibilities for good therapeutic outcome, as will self-supervision. Parenting programs are potentially helpful for all couples with children to raise especially stepfamilies many couples seek relationship education and the concept of love as self-expansion brings fresh ideas for consideration. Lack of sexual contact and also affectionate touch could have had a significant influence on Joseph's psychological well-being, possibly contributing to depression, lowered self-esteem and shame. It is also feasible that this may have made Joseph more vulnerable to arguments and the outburst of physical violence. The chapter also presents some closing thoughts on the concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book