In: Psychology
Analyze each stress situation by applying the components of the ABC-X Model. (A=Stressor, the thing that's causing the stress, life events that result in or require a family to change, B=Resources, things that can help them take care of the stress, internal or external and range from tangible (money, education/degrees earned) to intangible (social support systems), C=Perception, how the family is perceiving the stress, (1) How does the family view or define the problem? and (2) What is their understanding of the situation that resulted in the problem?, X=Crisis, when a family cannot put the stress event into perspective in a way that lets them manage it effectively)
SCENARIO #3—The Jones Family David and Stacy have been living in a small town where David is employed with a local law firm. If David keeps progressing as he has, he’s expected to be named a partner in the near future. David has been working for the firm for several years and has been able to support Stacy while she pursues her medical degree at the local university. Stacy is one year from graduating with her degree, and she must decide where to go for her residency. She receives word from her top choice—Healthy Hospital—that she has been accepted for their residency program. However, Healthy Hospital is 800 miles away. She and David have to decide what to do. They know that they don’t want to spend four years apart, but neither one wants to give up on their goals.
Be sure to identify the A, B, C & X in each scenario
In some of the descriptions, it may not be clear as there could be multiple factors influencing the family. You can create "hypothetical" explanations for the possible A, B, C & X.
Discuss how communication can contribute to the reduction or resolution of the stressful situation experienced in each of the scenarios.
What recommendations would you offer to family members to resolve the impact of the stress? (not really Psychology but it's the closest subject)
Components of ABC-X model
A- Stressors; David and Stacy has to make decisions for their career goals, if they choose their career goals then they have to live apart from each other for four years, and if choose to live together one of them have to give up his or her career goals.
B Resources: David has a job to support the family needs as well as the education expenditure of Stacey. Stacey is on completion of her studies.David is hardworking, and is expecting to be a partner of his firm.
C Perception: Both David and Stacey are on a crucial stage of their aspired career, their undertsanding about the importance of their career goals and their family life would play an important role in decision making. If they support each other by undertsanding each others view and with an effective communication, they could sort out this crisis situation.
X Crisis: The crisis in this scenario is choosing the career or the family life. If they choose career, then one of them has give up their career aspiration, which could have long lasting impact on their relationship in the future. If they choose their career goals then they would have to live apart for four years which they do not want.
Effect communication that involves an honest expression of concern without being selfish and sarcastic would help them to sort out their problem. They have to think critically about the long term impacts of their decision on their married life, as well as, on their career. This would help them to reach a decision that would be best for them. If they are not able to sort it out by themselves, they could take the help of family friends or a professional.