The Double ABCX Model of Family Stress and Adaptation: An Empirical Test by Analysis of Structural Equations with Latent Variables

Abstract

This study examines the relationships among the major variables of the Double ABCX model of family stress and adaptation. The theoretical model is translated into an empirically testable model using data on Army families' adaptation to the crisis of relocation overseas, and the data is analyzed by structural equation models with latent (unobserved) variables. The results support the notion of pile-up of demands, in that previous family life events significantly influence the postcrisis strain. Family system resources and social support are both found to facilitate adaptation, but in different ways: family system resources affect adaptation directly, whereas social support appears to have a buffering role in that it reduces the postcrisis strain. This study demonstrates the applicability of structural equation modeling approach (LISREL VI program) for theory building.