Marriage as a stressor

Almost 95% of Americans get married at least once, yet divorce rate remains high

Boundary issues between spouse and family of origin, between spouses themselves, and as a result of family transitions over the life cycle

Parenthood as a stressor

Only 5-7% of population of United States and Canada voluntarily choose not to have children

Ann Landers survey of parents of adolescents

General Mills survey

Studies of childless couples

Specific stressors

Physical

Pregnancy and beyond

Psychological

Variations over family life cycle, sharpest changes with first child

Financial

Newspaper versus Town and Country projections

Single parenthood

Downward economic mobility

Age is a factor on poverty rate

Changes in source of income

Legal issues (new laws and agreements between courts and couples)

Longitudinal studies, case studies, surveys yield different data

Developmental tasks of families

Provide for children's activity, parent's privacy

Keep financially solvent

Remain connected with extended family

Foster positive communication within family

Link to community