Chapter 16 Stress and Crisis in Relationships Personal Stress and Crisis Events A Family Stress Model Stress Management Strategies Five Family Crises Marriage and Family Therapy

Crisis Events External: hurricane, tornado, downsizing, military separation. Internal: alcoholism, infidelity, Alzheimer’s disease. Personal: illness. Interpersonal: spouse has affair.

Crisis Events Structural: in-laws move in. Expected: death of older relative or parent. Unexpected: HIV, miscarriage.

Family Stress Theory ABC-X model A = stressor event B = coping skills C = family’s perception of the event X = outcome of the adaptation to the event

Stress Management Strategies Develop realistic perspective. Avoid blame. Seek opportunities for fun. Keep destructive impulses in check.

Five Family Crises Physical illness and disability Infidelity Unemployment Drug abuse Death

Reasons for Extramarital Affairs Varity, novelty and excitement Workplace friendships Relationship dissatisfaction Revenge Homosexual relationships Absence from partner

Marriage Therapy Is Needed… Feeling distant with partner Not being able or wanting to communicate Avoiding each other Drinking/drugs Contemplating separation Involvement in an affair

Suicide Warning Signs Verbal - direct statements about suicide, subtle hints indicating suicide. Behavioral -depressed, crying, prior attempts, giving away possessions. Situational - loss of relationship, trouble with the law or at school, being disliked by peers.