Family coping: A comparison of stepfamilies and traditional nuclear families during pregnancy

Abstract

T HE EXPERIENCE OF pregnancy brings about change affecting total family. The anticipated addition of an infant alters coping processes operating within family. Family coping includes decisions that help family members move from a state of dependence to one of independence and interdependence within family system. Klein (1983) described use of effective family coping strategies benefiting family problem solving and resolution of specific family problems. Differences in specific strategies used by family members are related to their particular stage of family life cycle and learned patterns of behavior (King, 1983; Olson et al., 1983; Patterson, McCubbin, & Needle, 1983). LaRossa (1977) noted that theaddition of a new family member may be associated with unity of couple, but disunity may also occur due to decreased involvement with spouse. Miller and MyersWalls (1983) addressed need to study coping strategies in pregnancy and parenthood, yet there is a paucity of available, empirically based knowledge regarding family coping in expectant couples. In addition, marriages and families are also changing. T h e first-time married, traditional nuclear family is no longer typical American family structure. Stepfamilies are emerging as a major family structure, with many of these remarried couples having mutual children of their own. Visher and Visher (1983) noted that stepfamilies used different coping strategies .in dealing with some of stresses of-everyday living. Morris (1985) identified that ability of stepfamilies to deal with difficulties arising within their families is of great importance, often more so than difficulties themselves. However, there is no documentation in literature that addresses expectant stepfamily couples and their coping during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare coping strategies used by stepfamilies and traditional nuclear families during pregnancy. This study was based on a descriptive, twogroup comparison design of 40 stepfamily couples and 40 traditional nuclear family couples; all couples had wives in third trimester of pregnancy and it least one child under age of 18 living in home. Stepfamily couples were experiencing a mutual birth for first time, and traditional nuclear family couples were experiencing an other than first-time birth. Data were collected from paper and pencil questionnaires completed b y both husbands and wives during in-home visits and included information on family coping strategies. A personal information form was used to obtain data on demographic characteristics and anticipated problems with arrival of baby. The Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F-COPES), developed by McCubbin, Olson, and Larson (1981), were used to assess family coping, both internal (attitudinal) and external (behavioral) strategies used by families responding to problems or difficulties associated with life changes or difficult life events. This 30-item paper and pencil self-report instrument enabled husbands and wives to describe their family's level and type of coping strategies in dealing with changes during pregnancy. Internal family coping strategies were defined as the way[s] individual family members handle difficulties by using resources residing within nuclear system (McCubbin, Olson, & Larson, 1987, p. 196), such as knowing that we have strength within our family to solve our problems. External family coping strategies were defined as the active behaviors family