Family Stress Model

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Pages: 3

The family conceptual model was Family Stress Model (FSM) or Hill’s Model
(ABCX). According to Kaakinen et al. (2015), variable A represents the stressor. For the Archibalds, variable A, the stressor, was caused by Mike needing a heart transplant which the family was unable to obtain funding for. Variable B represents the family’s strengths and resources. The Archibald’s strengths were their determination and problem-solving skills. Initially, the family’s community resources were the church, social services, friends, and neighbors. However, as their resources depleted and amount collected thus far was not enough to satisfy the deposit amount, the family experienced an emotional crisis. Variable C represents how a family perceives the
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In other words, Mike’s fate depended on his chances of getting a new heart. Variable X represents the amount of disruption an event has on a family. According to the family assessment of the Archibalds, Mike’s medical event rattled the family’s functioning and processing as they put everything on hold while trying to raise money for Mike’s heart operation. The family reported lack of sleep, extreme physical and mental stress, and a decline in appetite. By exploring the variables of stressor, strengths and resources, perception of seriousness, and disruption the event had on the family, I, as a nurse, could study how big of an impact Mike’s medical condition had on the family. With the identified available strengths and resources or their lack thereof, I could assist the family in locating other community resources that would help the family. Within the model of FSM, as a nurse, I would help the family by promoting the health of all family members and their ability to restore health. In addition, I would support and reinforce the family’s strengths, link the family to other community resources, and identify the best solution for them through family