chapter 13

Question 1

stress

Answer 1

A state of tension created when there are heavy demands on resources

Question 2

stressor

Answer 2

Precipitating event that has the potential to cause stress – provokes change in family system

Question 3

Types of Family Stressors

Answer 3

Accession - a change in family structure by adding a member

Dismemberment - change in family structure by losing a member

Loss of family morale and unity - ie someone arrested, divorce, substance abuse

Sudden Change - ie get severe illness

Daily hassles/hardships - ie lost keys, traffic

Question 4

family transitions

Answer 4

Expected or predictable changes in the course
of family life that can precipitate stress. They
are “normative”.

Question 5

Non-normative stressors

Answer 5

Catastrophic events that are not expected or

predictable.

Question 6

crisis

Answer 6

Imbalance between demands and ability to meet demands – acute disequilibrium
A serious disturbance that incapacitates the
family

Question 7

Roller Coaster Model of Crisis (Boss, Bryant & Mancini, 2017; Hill & Koos,1949)

Answer 7

1) Original level of organization
2) Event occurs

3)Period of disorganization
Unable to perform usual roles and tasks
Unable to make decisions an solve problems in usual way
Inability to care for family members in usual way
Shift in focus from family to individual coping

4)Period of reorganization

5)Level of reorganization
Can be the same as, higher, or lower than original level

Question 8

ABCX Model of Family Crisis

Answer 8

A (the stressor event) interacts with B (the resources the family has) and C (the family’s definition of the event) to produce X (the crisis – degree of disruption and disorganization).

Examines families over time
Includes coping
Describes adaptation instead of crisis

Question 9

Double ABCX Model of Family Stress

Answer 9

aA = Pile-up
Initial stressor and hardships
Normative transitions
Prior strains
Impact of coping
Ambiguity
bB = Existing and new resources

cC = Definition over time 
Coping = What family does to manage stressor
xX = Adaptation (Bonadaptation or Maladaptation)

Question 10

resilience

Answer 10

The ability to withstand and rebound from adversity

Question 11

family resilience

Answer 11

The successful adaptation by the family unit to crisis or adversity

We need to recognize and celebrate family resilience
We need to find ways to foster resilience
E.g. Identify “risk” and “protective” factors
E.g. Policies that foster empowerment of family members (workplace policies, school-work partnerships)

Question 12

resiliences

Answer 12

The strengths that are developed by families

Question 13

See Chronic illness and Alcoholism in Text

Answer 13

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Question 14

Chronic Illness and Disability

Answer 14

In 2006, 14.3 percent of Canadians had some sort of disability.
Chronic illness or disability usually starts in one of two ways—suddenly, or over a period of time.
As an illness becomes chronic, stressors on the family pile up.

Question 15

Specific Challenges of Chronic Illness and Disability

Answer 15

Family social activities may change
Added to these stressors are normative family changes
Changes that are expected as part of the family life cycle
e.g., Puberty, the growing independence of young people, finding a mate, having children, retiring
Chronic illness can have a different effect, depending on the stage of the family life cycle or who experiences the illness (E.g. either parents or children)
How society in general perceives of an illness or disability also has a significant impact

Question 16

The Alcoholic Family System

Answer 16

In 2009, 76.5% of Canadians reported drinking in the past 12 months
17.6 percent of Canadians reported at least one harm as a result of their alcohol use.
The economic impact of alcohol-related harm in Canada is estimated to be $14.6 billion per year.
The entire family, not just the individual, is impacted when there is one alcoholic member
Alcoholism is discredited/stigmatized by society.

In family systems where alcoholism is present, enablers allow the individual to continue drinking without suffering the most extreme consequences.
Family members may also be codependents
Lack of personal boundaries and takes on drinker’s problems
Finds meaning and worth in caretaking
Believes s/he is responsible for whatever happens to the drinker
At risk of developing stress-related illnesses

Members of alcoholic families learn a number of lessons about family life
That alcohol is the centre of family life
That alcohol can make things better
That alcohol abuse is a family secret to be covered up

Question 17

Communication and Problem-Solving

Answer 17

As families encounter problems, they must find solutions if they are to cope.
Families who can talk openly about their feelings adapt to problems and provide valuable emotional and practical support to each other.
Families with more effective problem-solving skills usually communicate clearly.