Family Stress Theory: History, Concepts, and Nursing Applications

This discussion post provides an overview of the Family Stress Theory, originally coined by Reuben Hill in 1949, which examines the impact of stressors on families, particularly during times of separation and reunion. The theory emphasizes the importance of positive perceptions and social relationships in protecting families from crisis. It uses the ABCX model to define stress, identify family resources, assess family perception of stressors, and understand the resulting crisis. Variable A represents the stressor, B represents family resources, C represents the family's perception of the stressor, and X represents the crisis. The theory has been foundational in nursing practice, aiding nurses in helping families adapt, recover, utilize resources, develop strengths, and appraise crises. The post concludes that while stress is normal, its severity can impact family well-being, highlighting the importance of theories like the Family Stress Theory in promoting family health and wellness during transitions. The post includes relevant references to support its claims.

Running head: THE FAMILY STRESS THEORY 1
The Family Stress Theory
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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

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framework for other family-related models, for instance, the Resiliency Model. In nursing
practice, the theory is held in high regard. Nurses employ it in aiding families in adaptation
processes, help in recovery, assisting families to operate within the specified health-related
limitations, assistance in the utilization of available resources, development, and support of
family strengths, and crisis appraisal (Kaakinen, Coehlo, Steele, Tabacco, & Hanson, 2015).
Conclusively, although is a somewhat natural and normal factor in a family environment,
its severity can have serious repercussions on the family. The wellbeing of the family is
dependent on how the said family acts and thrives in the event of a stressful circumstance. In that
light, theories such as the Family Stress Theory are handy in health promotion during family
transitions and in the overall assessment of family changes for wellness.

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References
Alligood, M. R. (2018). Nursing theorists and their work (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Daneshpour, M. (2017). Examining Family Stress: Theory and Research. Retrieved from
http://jcps.atu.ac.ir/article_8150_9ca50c365a10d993dc09284126944a85.pdf
Hadfield, K., & Ungar, M. (2018). Family resilience: Emerging trends in theory and
practice. Journal of Family Social Work, 21(2), 81-84. DOI:
10.1080/10522158.2018.1424426.
Kaakinen, J., Coehlo, D., Steele, R., Tabacco, A., & Hanson, S. (2015). Family health care
nursing: Theory, practice, and research (6th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis.