Stress, Abuse, and Family Problems

Chapter 14

Chapter OverviewI. Introductory “Quiz”II. Thought for the WeekIII. StressIV. AbuseV. Consider the FollowingVI. Critical ThinkingVII. Homework

I. Introductory “Quiz”

1. All stressors either begin or end up in the family.

True

2. It is not the event that causes the stress, but how the person

perceives of the event that makes it stressful.

True

3. A “normal,” intact family is well-functioning, efficient, and

effective.”

False

4. Any event that causes a change in the family system is

considered a stressful life event.

True

5. Crises tend to weaken a family in the long-run.

False

6. The home is a more dangerous place for women than the city

streets.True

7. Dating seems to be more violent than marital relationships.

True

8. Growing up in an abusive home guarantees that the person will become a victim or a victimizer.

False

9. Venting anger verbally can prevent violence.

Way false

10. Alcoholics Anonymous can help stop family violence.

True

Mission StatementsA. Women: I will strive to develop and live

positive values such as Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, and Integrity. I believe that as I come to accept and act upon such values, I will be prepared to strengthen my home and family,and enjoy the benefits of living a productive life.

II. Thought for the Week:

B. Men: I will strive to develop and live positive values such as Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, and Integrity. I believe that as I come to accept and act upon such values, I will be prepared to strengthen my home and family,and enjoy the benefits of living a productive life.

II. Thought for the Week:

III. StressA. The Stress Curve B. The Holmes and Rehe Stress Test (see

Handout packet) C. Stressors Across the Family Life

Cycle (see pg. 423)

D. Strategies for Managing Stress

4. Strategies for Managing Stressa. A stressful scenariob. Personal inventoryc. Compare to Research Findings (see p. 432)

A. Types of Abuse • Dating Abuse• Spousal Abuse• Correlates to Abuse (see p. 438-440)

• Treatment and Prevention

IV. Abuse

1. Types of Abusea. Minor Physical Aggression b. Severe Physical c. Marital Rape d. Verbal/Psychological Abusee. Neglect

V. Consider the Following:[We tend] to dissociate anger from

agency, making us believe that we are victims of an emotion that we cannot control. We hear, “I lost my temper”…

To “lose something” implies “not meaning to,” “accidental,”

“involuntary,” “not responsible”—careless perhaps but “not

responsible.”

“He made me mad…” This is a myth…No one makes us mad. Others don’t make us angry. There is no force involved. Becoming angry is a conscious choice, a decision; therefore, we can make the choice not to become angry. We choose!

To those who say, “But I can’t help myself,” author William Wilbanks responds: “Nonsense.” “Aggression, … suppressing the anger, talking about it, screaming and yelling,” are all learned strategies in dealing with anger. “We choose the one that has proved effective for us in the past. Ever notice how seldom we lose control when frustrated by our boss, but how often we do when annoyed by friends or family?” (“The New Obscenity,” Reader’s Digest.)

VI. Critical ThinkingA. Who is most likely to abuse a child?B. Which is worse; physical or

psychological abuse? C. “I hope I never hit my wife.”

VII. HomeworkWrite your own mission statement.