Stress and Coping in Two-Career Families

Abstract

Dual-career couples do not have a corner on stress. Stress is synonymous with living and in itself is neither bad nor good. We all confront stress most of our lives. Eustress, or good stress, invigorates. Distress, or bad stress, debilitates. Stress that comes from challenging work, for example, often enhances creativity and brings more meaning to life. In contrast, stress that comes from stultifying work, thwarted goals, or the unavailability of suitable child care diminishes feelings of well-being and lowers life satisfaction.

We are both determined and take the time to make our marriage work. We love each other very much and we are a good fit. Our roles are not real strongly defined. Among some of our friends the husband expected the wife to work all day and come home and serve him coffee. These couples are now divorced. [A role-sharing couple in their late 40s]