Four decades of contributions to personality theory and family practice
have earned Luciano L'Abate a worldwide reputation for therapeutic
insights. Now he expands on his pathbreaking relational theory of
personality to apply it to the twenty-first-century family in all its
configurations. Personality in Intimate Relationships showcases
L'Abate's trademark elegant style and provocative ideas in his most
accessible work to date.
Based on Axes I and II of the DSM-IV, the book describes relationships
along a readily identifiable continuum ranging from optimal
functionality to severe pathology, linking the author's conceptual
framework to specific diagnostic strategies, therapeutic interventions,
and prevention programs. L'Abate's theory not only integrates individual
and family theories and seemingly disparate schools of thought, but is
also inclusive of nontraditional relationships--grandparent/grandchild
dyads, adoptive families, same-sex couples, and others--that are often
left out of the family literature.
Among the key areas explored in the book:
- Selfhood and self-differentiation
- Confrontation and sharing of hurt feelings
- Negotiating, bargaining, and problem-solving
- Dealing with distance and closeness
- Intimacy and the ability to love
In addition, the reader is referred to complementary online appendices
that supply helpful questionnaires, workbooks, and ideas for further
applications.
Personality in Intimate Relationships offers fresh perspective to
all frontline practitioners as well as investigators in this area. It is
also ideal for graduate courses in abnormal psychology and personal
development.
