NCJ Number
144507
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 60 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1993) Pages: 92-95
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Counselors may be able to help police families relieve some of the work-related tension in their lives by applying the ABCX family system model proposed by McCubbin and Figley.
Abstract
In this model, factor A refers to the stressor itself, that is, the life event that creates the strain in the family unit, in this case, the long hours, danger, and disruption of family plans often inherent in police work. Factor B refers to the resources the family can use to relieve the stress, while C denotes the family's definition of the seriousness of the stressor. If stressors occur, are defined negatively as a threat to domestic harmony, and cannot be met with adequate resources, a crisis (factor X) is likely to occur. Several police departments have tried to defuse the possibility of family crises by offering spousal training concurrent with recruit training, conducting marriage seminars, and offering resources for continued support. 9 references