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Family Systems Intelligence in Couple and Family Therapy—And Beyond.

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Title: Family Systems Intelligence in Couple and Family Therapy—And Beyond.
Authors: Doherty, William J.1 (AUTHOR) bdoherty@umn.edu, Fisher, Adam R.2 (AUTHOR), Hardy, Nathan R.3 (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Marital & Family Therapy. Apr2026, Vol. 52 Issue 2, p1-9. 9p.
Subject Terms: *Family conflict, *Stepfamilies, Family systems theory, Family psychotherapy, Couples therapy, Systems theory
Abstract: This paper introduces family systems intelligence as a capacity that extends beyond emotional intelligence to how individuals understand and respond effectively to family challenges in ways that foster personal and relational health. After defining the general concept of systems intelligence, we define family systems intelligence and distinguish between dyadic and multilateral levels. We argue that couple therapy models are sometimes insufficient when couples face issues involving broader family systems. We illustrate these ideas in three domains where third‐party dynamics are central: stepfamilies, families facing medical illness, and ideological differences. We describe initial work on a performance‐based measure of family systems intelligence, with the goal of a scalable assessment to support research and training. We conclude with implications for strengthening training in systemic competence among therapists and for influencing the broader culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of Marital & Family Therapy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
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DbLabel: Education Research Complete
An: 193258945
AccessLevel: 6
PubType: Academic Journal
PubTypeId: academicJournal
PreciseRelevancyScore: 0
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  Data: Family Systems Intelligence in Couple and Family Therapy—And Beyond.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Doherty%2C+William+J%2E%22">Doherty, William J.</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<i> bdoherty@umn.edu</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Fisher%2C+Adam+R%2E%22">Fisher, Adam R.</searchLink><relatesTo>2</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Hardy%2C+Nathan+R%2E%22">Hardy, Nathan R.</searchLink><relatesTo>3</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Journal+of+Marital+%26+Family+Therapy%22">Journal of Marital & Family Therapy</searchLink>. Apr2026, Vol. 52 Issue 2, p1-9. 9p.
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  Data: *<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Family+conflict%22">Family conflict</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Stepfamilies%22">Stepfamilies</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Family+systems+theory%22">Family systems theory</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Family+psychotherapy%22">Family psychotherapy</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Couples+therapy%22">Couples therapy</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Systems+theory%22">Systems theory</searchLink>
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: This paper introduces family systems intelligence as a capacity that extends beyond emotional intelligence to how individuals understand and respond effectively to family challenges in ways that foster personal and relational health. After defining the general concept of systems intelligence, we define family systems intelligence and distinguish between dyadic and multilateral levels. We argue that couple therapy models are sometimes insufficient when couples face issues involving broader family systems. We illustrate these ideas in three domains where third‐party dynamics are central: stepfamilies, families facing medical illness, and ideological differences. We describe initial work on a performance‐based measure of family systems intelligence, with the goal of a scalable assessment to support research and training. We conclude with implications for strengthening training in systemic competence among therapists and for influencing the broader culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
  Label:
  Group: Ab
  Data: <i>Copyright of Journal of Marital & Family Therapy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
PLink https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=ehh&AN=193258945
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        Value: 10.1111/jmft.70136
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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        PageCount: 9
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    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Family conflict
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Stepfamilies
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Family systems theory
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Family psychotherapy
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Couples therapy
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      – SubjectFull: Systems theory
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      – TitleFull: Family Systems Intelligence in Couple and Family Therapy—And Beyond.
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            NameFull: Fisher, Adam R.
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            NameFull: Hardy, Nathan R.
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            – D: 01
              M: 04
              Text: Apr2026
              Type: published
              Y: 2026
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            – TitleFull: Journal of Marital & Family Therapy
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