1. Marriage and Family Interaction
Stress and the Family
Marriage and Family Interaction
HPER F258
Kathleen R. Gilbert, Ph.D.
Indiana University

2. For next class
Write a letter assignment at
We will discuss this at the beginning of class on April 17.

3. Functional and Dysfunctional Family Coping (Figley & McCubbin)
Developed from 4,000 studies of stress and coping in families
Both normative and non-normative stressors
Family focused, not individual (in fact, some things that are functional for family may or may not be functional for individuals (and vice versa)

4. Identification of the stressor
F = clear and acceptance, D = unclear and denial
They know what is causing the stress in the family and, at minimum, do not deny its seriousness or its reality.
Denial may be functional coping for individuals but is not for family as a system.

5. Locus of the problem/solution
F = family centered, D = individual centered
“Ours” vs. “yours”
Work together as a team

6. Approach to the problem/solution
F = solution oriented, D = blame oriented
Looking for ways to solve problem, resolve differences vs. getting “stuck” in looking for who to blame
Future orientation instead of past
More positive view

7. Tolerance of others F = high, D = low
This is tolerance of differences within the family
Agree to disagree

8. Commitment to and affection for family members
F = clear and direct, D = unclear and indirect
Family is seen as of prime importance
Sometimes willing to treat family as more important than self
Affection = “Doing out of caring”

9. Communication F = open and supportive, D = unclear and indirect
No mixed messages
Clear and focused on the issue
Not intended to manipulate

10. Family cohesion F = high, D = low The closer the family is, the better
Facilitates family working as a team to solve a problem or resolve an issue

11. Family roles F = flexible and shifting, D = rigid
The more flexible the role assignments, the greater the likelihood that the family can adapt to deal with stress or disruption to the family system

12. Resource utilization F = balanced to high, D = low to none
Availability AND willingness to use resources
Both internal and external resource are relevant, but if external not use, will deplete internal.
(Also possible that is a problem if resources used so that they do not take back control/responsibilities)

13. Use of violence F = absent, D = present
This includes all forms of the use of physical pain for control
Includes corporal punishment of children

14. Use of drugs F = infrequent to none, D = frequent
Seems obvious, but is not restricted to illegal drugs, also includes tobacco products and alcohol
Includes OTC (over-the-counter) and certain prescription drugs(as possible indicators of problems elsewhere)

15. Overall -- Movement toward recovery
this is in addition to F&McC's list
F = dynamic, D = static, regressive
The general view of the family is that they are not “stuck” at some point in the resolution of the stress, but are moving forward with it.

16. Small group discussion -- How your family manages stress
In your small group, discuss:
How does your family deal with stress in conflicts? Consider the following:
When is my family most 'vulnerable' to stress overload?
When is conflict most likely to occur?
How do I know tension is building?
Words or phrases that usually "set people in my family off?
Topics that we avoid to avoid conflict?
Things I say to myself when tension is building in my family?
How does my family respond in stressful situations

17. Final Thoughts on Lecture Material
Identify one point in the lecture that you could use to deal with stress you might experience in any current relationship (romantic or otherwise).