1. Generic Features of Families under Stress

Abstract

This paper summarizes the chief issues and findings in "family crisis research" as viewed by family sociologists. 5 areas are covered: (a) the conceptual framework used by family sociologists in their study of crises; (b) a catalogue of the stressful events that have been studied, as well as those that remain unstudied; (c) findings which indicate kinds of families which thrive and those that wilt under stress; (d) generic phases and methods of adjustment to stress; (e) assessment of short-run and long-run effects of stress on families. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of the preceding data for agency policies and practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)