Chapter 16Stress 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.