An Empirical Test of The Family Stress Model

Abstract

This study examines the empirical validity and the applicability of the family stress model, which was reconstructed from examination of family stress theory, by using data on Japanese families' adaptation to crisis of job-induced separation (Tanshin-Funin). By introducing the works of the social system theory, definition of concepts and a distinction between family stress and individual stress are made. The results of empirical test showed usefulness of the operationalized model, but it also revealed that the model is not useful in accounting for the adaptation to general daily life events, only useful for the adaptation to job-induced separation. And differences were shown in predictor variables between adaptation of family system and adaptation of individual, so it can also say there is empilical validity to distinguish two level. Those differences were thought to be the results from the differences of the problems occured in each level and the differences of the nature of each level's adaptation. Through the analysis, it underscored the significant influence of the value, which was assumed to regulate tasks of the family, individual needs, and permissible standards of evaluation to the family and individual.