The Family Stress Theory

Running head: THE FAMILY STRESS THEORY 1
The Family Stress Theory
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THE FAMILY STRESS THEORY 2
The Family Stress Theory
In essence, the Family Stress Theory was coined by the late professor Reuben Hill in the year
1949 during his studies on the impact played by separations and reunions post World War II. He
further went forth to give details on the set of variables in a bid to give a somewhat thorough
explanation of factors that lead to a family crisis (Alligood, 2018). His was a developmental
theory that borrows a lot from the riches of family science by shedding light on family
adaptations and thriving even when faced with transitional events or situational stressors whereas
other units disintegrate go down the drain and under same circumstances.
Majorly, the theory goes far and beyond in giving a sound description of the value of
positive perceptions and social relationships which serve as a cushion as far as family protection
from family is concerned. In terms of the theory’s concept, Hill came up with an ABCX structure
which aids in fully defining stress, identification of family wealth and resources, family
perception of given stressors, and the looming crisis itself (Hadfield & Ungar, 2018). Precisely,
variable A is identified as the event or the stressor that pushes a given family to limits whereas
variable B represents the communal resources, family strengths, and experiences. Variable B
looks into the impact and the magnitude of given stress on the family by taking account of the
external and internal social support make-up of the family. Variable C is a representation of how
the family perceives the stress as a result of the stressor. In finality, the X variable represents the
looming crisis. Variable A, B, and C combined are likely to determine the family’s reaction,
management of the situation, and the determination of whether the aforementioned situation
turns to a crisis (Daneshpour, 2017).
The Family Stress Theory has for decades served as a foundation for nursing practice as
well as crisis intervention is concerned. Additionally, it serves as a developmental