Family Stress

Pressure or tension in the family system. A change in the family equilibrium with the degree of stress depending on family’s perception and appraisal of the situation (Boss, 2002). A state in which family resources are challenged by the environment and endanger family integrity (Kazak, 1992).   Explore the perception of threat and the meaning of an event; then, intervene based on findings

·        Identify individual and family unit perception of resources

·        Explore individual and family unit perception of support

·        Create opportunities for nurse to be viewed as resource

·        Diligently provide consistent information

·        Use therapeutic questioning techniques, examples: “How can we be most helpful?”, “What is one question you would most like answered during our time together?” (Wright & Leahey, 2013)