Family Crisis

Last week in class we talked about crises; types of stressors, how they affect the family, and how we can overcome them.

Each family will experience some type of stressor during their lifetime. These stressors come about in different ways and can be both positive and negative. Listed below are several types of stressor events:

Types of Stressor Events

• Internal: Events that take place within the family. Ex: Suicide, abuse, divorce. 
• External: Events that begin outside of the family. Ex: natural disasters, terrorism. 
• Ambiguous: Events that are unclear and facts are not available. Ex: family member has been sick for months but doctor's do not know what the problem is.
• Non ambiguous: Events that are clear and facts are available. Ex: Family member is diagnosed with asthma. Doctor's prescribe medication to keep the asthma under control.
• Volitional: Events that are wanted and sought out. Ex: a new job, going to college.
• Non volitional: Events that are not sought out but just happen. Ex: getting fired from a job

Stressors come in all shapes and sizes and affect each family in a different way. Most stressors that we hear about are negative ones that often times separate families. However, this is not true in all cases. Some stressors can influence a family in a positive way and even bring them closer together. If this is true, then what determines whether a stressor is positive or negative? The answer is the family's perception of the situation. 

In order to overcome the crises that we will come into our lives we can turn our Heavenly Father and our loved ones for guidance and support.

 “My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.”

                                                                         - President Thomas S. Monson