Stress and coping in family relationships: Effects on couple dynamics and parenting behaviors

Abstract

Existing studies revealed that stress and the ways couples deal with stress are important predictors of relationship quality and parenting behaviors. Past research revealed that stress is transmitted both intrapersonal, from one domain to another (e.g. from work to family) (i.e. stress spillover) and interpersonal, from one person to another (i.e. stress crossover). Stress spillover and stress crossover have negative effects on couple relationship quality and parent-child interaction. However, less is known on the explaining mechanisms in the association of stress with family functionning and protecting factors in these associations. The present article aims to review the main theoretical models and research studies describing the effects of stress on couple relationship quality and parenting behaviors. Based on the lack of studies analysing the long-term effects of stress in Romanian families, we currently conduct a research project for investigating the associations between stress, couple dynamics, and parenting behaviors. In addition, considering the limited access of many Romanian couples to counseling and psychotherapy, our research project aims to design and test the efficacy of a mobile application for improving dyadic coping, constructive communication in couple relationships, and problem-solving skills.