The purpose of the present study was to apply Berg and Upchurch's developmental-conceptual model toward a better understanding of how couples cope with chronic illness. Specifically, a model was hypothesized in which proximal factors (relational quality), dyadic appraisal (illness interference), and dyadic coping (partner support) influence…

Examined personality factors and coping strategies among 50 spouse caregivers of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. Results showed that personality traits explained 60% of variance in emotion-focused coping, 30% of variance in problem-focused coping, and 15% of variance associated with social support coping.…

Notes government study conclusion that Vietnam veterans with supportive marital relationships are more likely to successfully adjust to delayed stresses of combat. Presents a conceptual model of the role of spouse support in Vietnam veterans' adjustment to posttraumatic stress syndrome. Discusses implications of the model for therapeutic…

Presents a conceptual framework of potentially broad applicability in the study of spouses of persons suffering from impairments. The model integrates previous research in the alcoholism field and provides a more comprehensive account of spouse functioning than is afforded by focusing only on partner drinking behavior. (Author/RC)

Presents unilateral family therapy in which intervention is directed toward changing the behavior of an uncooperative family member through working with a cooperative member as mediator. Applies the approach to the problem of endeavoring to reach and change an uncooperative alcohol abuser. (Author)

This study examined four propositions by which social support may impact the physical and mental well-being of the bereaved: (1) social support has a direct effect on health; (2) social support reduces stress which, in turn, affects health; (3) social support stimulates the development of coping strategies and promotes mastery, thereby affecting…

This paper introduces a structural model of multigenerational relationships including the adolescent-parent relationship. The model, which perceives generational role relationships as falling within a five dimensional span includes the following: (1) intra (within the same generation); (2) direct (one generation distant); (3) bi (two generations…

Although illness is often linked to low morale among the elderly, most persons cope with and adjust to illness. A hypothesized model of favorable family response to illness suggests the importance of resources as mediators to avoid crisis. To test this model, 53 older patients with lung disease and their spouses were interviewed about individual…

Parenthood is a normal event in which the birth of a baby temporarily upsets the internal structure of the family system as boundaries, roles, and tasks are reorganized to accommodate the new member. In understanding how interactions between and within spousal and parental relationships affect parental adjustment, concepts of development need to…

This guidebook was developed to aid mothers who are attending school or training programs and also have preschool or school-age children at home, to find new approaches to their complicated life situations. Based on the experiences of 215 women in Allegheny County Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), the booklet describes some of the problems they faced as…