Integrating Coping Behavior in Family Stress Theory

Some of the discrepancies between observations made of family behavior under stress and the family stress theory literature to date result from the tendency to emphasize adaptation to stress as an intrafamily process. Analysis of three studies of coping and adaptation in the face of family separations reveals that the family is called upon to both react and actively employ coping behaviors within the family system and in relationship to the community. The analysis reveals specific coping behaviors which vary according to the severity of the stress on the family unit and underscores the value of viewing coping behavior as an integral part of Hill's B Factor -Family Resources-in family stress theory. Five propositions are offered and discussed in the advancement of research and theory construction.