1. 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

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

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

4. 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

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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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.