Economic Crisis and the Family

In the midst of a world economic crisis, millions of families will be challenged in ways that can cause significant negative effects to their lives. As a Marriage and Family Therapist here in South Florida, economic stress is one of the main reasons why a couple or family will initiate therapy with me. In fact, Viktor Gecas, professor of sociology and head of the Department of Sociology at Purdue University notes that “research shows that this kind of stress can lead to changes in family members and in family dynamics, such as husbands becoming irritable and wives becoming depressed, as well as more extreme problems such as mental health issues, alcoholism, drug abuse and family violence.”

How we learn to cope with this present situation is based on the resources that we have access to. Families that were already struggling before the present crisis may be hit the hardest. The friends and family members that they usually can count of in times of need may also be affected by their own economic woes.

On the other hand, when a crisis happens in ones life, we are often able to have a period of self- reflection. This ability to determine what are the most important aspects of our lives that need to be focused on right now can help us get organized and allow ourselves to set aside extra expenses that can be put on hold till the economy gets back on track. We can find a way to become more creative and resourceful in how we get things done in our day to day life.

According to Evergreen State College Professor Stephanie Coontz and CCF research intern Valerie Adrian, economically distressed parents are more likely to use harsher methods of disciplining their children. With unstable housing and the loss of neighborhood connections, they also are less likely to have the support of their social networks to engage in effective

parenting. Additionally, children living with economic uncertainty and stressed-out parents are more vulnerable to depression—and their expectations (and motivation) can become lower.

Children are the first to be able to spot changes in their parents behaviors. They may see you coming home from work or meetings upset or even notice that many of their favorite snacks for school are not getting refilled quite as fast. Either way, finding a way to express how you are presently about the situation can actually be a great way to increase open discussions about other subjects as well. Identifying feelings is helpful, but it is not enough.

Remember to give children the skills to deal with their own feelings by sharing how we cope and offering them specific tools that work for us. This may be the time where you start to notice changes in their own behaviors at home, at school and even with friends. By ensuring that you have open communication, you can help decrease the probability of any significant challenges.