Unemployment and the resulting financial hardships which occur are among the most difficult circumstances imposed upon families. A study was undertaken to identify the sources and degree of stress experienced by families affected by economic displacement through unemployment. A sample of unemployed families (N=146) responded to components of the…

Second in a two-part report on a 1982 study by the staff of the Education and Work program at Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL), this issue presents the complete findings from case studies of 44 unemployed men and women. In order to determine how unemployment affects people, NWREL's study identified and explored the following four…

Given current and projected divorce rates, many people will find themselves faced with being divorced in their later years. To determine if the way of becoming single affects well being, a matched sample of 40 divorced and widowed elderly women were compared. Results showed that the method of becoming single had some differential impact but…

Stress factors inherent in the institution of the farm family are examined. The current economic crisis is considered, with emphasis on those stressors that affect family relationships. Recommendations are proposed for the human service worker in rural communities. (Author/CH)

First of a two-part report on a 1982 study by the staff of the Education and Work program at Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL), this issue presents the preliminary findings from questionnaires (and telephone surveys) of 30 unemployed men and women. In order to determine how unemployment affects people, NWREL's study identified and…

Main areas of stress experienced by married Open University students are reported, especially domestic pressures that are harmful to study. Also considered are the need for guidance, problems of finance, and attendance at summer school. (LBH)

Examined stressors and coping strategies of two-generation farm families. Results identified four key factors creating stressors for family members and four strategies that family members used to cope with stressors. Significant differences in stressors and coping strategies were found between generations and among fathers, mothers, sons, and…

Examines the situation of 40 Missouri farm families who were forced out of farming because of financial reasons. Includes family members' experiences with 15 common reactions to stress, sources of help, degree of adjustment to the uniform way of life, and characteristics of families and farms involved in the study. (JHZ)

Genetic diseases in children present difficulties to the children themselves and to their families. This article reviews the features of genetic disease, stresses surrounding diagnosis, difficulties associated with each developmental stage, other sources of psychosocial stress on the family (e.g., finances, hospitalization, placement decisions),…

Economic loss and hardship during the 1929 Depression produced marital tension resulting from increased conflict over finances and temperamental behavior of husbands and wives. Data on 110 couples were obtained from the Berkeley Study at the Institute of Human Development in California. Annual data were collected from wife, home observer, and…

Survey of 1,040 Iowa farm operators found persons most at risk of forced displacement from farming were younger, better educated, large-scale operators who leveraged assets during the 1970's. Analysis linked financial hardship with perceived changes in quality of life, personal/familial stress, and family-life patterns. Discusses implications for…

Interviews with 12 principals of K-12 schools in rural Saskatchewan examined practices enacted in 1992-93 to lessen the effects of the farm economic crisis on students. A seven-section literature review describes the financial, personal, family, and community components of the farm crisis in Canada and the United States and provides an overview of…