Online Gaming Issues in Offline Couple Relationships: A Primer for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)

Although the challenges around participation in online gaming grow, gamers and their partners who experience online relationship issues related to gaming, present a new set of treatment challenges for therapists. In this article, we report on the findings of a hermeneutic research study aimed at evaluating the scholarly literature related to online gaming and interpret these texts to determine the effect such online activity has on the couple relationship. We reviewed 18 articles published between 1998 and 2010 related to online gaming and interpersonal relationships, focusing solely on empirical articles related to the search criteria. Our interpretation of the text concluded that online gaming might add to and/or interfere with a couple’s life. Based on these potential problem areas, practical considerations for treatment are also outlined

Financial Professionals: Articulating their Roles and Delivery Methods in Financial Education

Financial education is an approach financial professionals use with their clients to build effective money management skills across the life cycle. Financial professionals conceptualize and identify their role in providing financial education in various ways. This study used a triangulation mixed methods design from a 2013 national survey to understand how financial professionals articulate their role and to determine the delivery methods used when working with clients. The survey was first included in the analysis piloted with nine financial professionals, followed by a revised survey sent to memberships of various professional organizations resulting in 251 responses. When financial professionals were asked about the financial delivery method used with their clients, their response indicated it depended on the context of the client and the content of their financial concerns. Therefore, findings suggest that the process or relationship between the practitioner and client must have elements of flexibility and adaptability woven into their delivery method based on what the client brings to the session and/or workshop