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TEN ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES FOR FAMILY AND WORK BALANCE: ADVICE FROM SUCCESSFUL FAMILIES
Author(s) -
Haddock Shelley A.,
Zimmerman Toni Schindler,
Ziemba Scott J.,
Curent Lisa R.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of marital and family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.868
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1752-0606
pISSN - 0194-472X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2001.tb00339.x
Subject(s) - thriving , pride , psychology , grounded theory , dual (grammatical number) , general partnership , social psychology , work (physics) , meaning (existential) , applied psychology , sociology , qualitative research , psychotherapist , art , social science , mechanical engineering , literature , political science , law , engineering , finance , economics
Despite negative media images and social dynamics insensitive to the lives of many dual‐career couples, research shows that these families are largely healthy and thriving. In this study, we investigated the adaptive strategies of middle‐class, dual‐earner couples (N=47) with children that are successfully managing family and work. Guided by grounded‐theory methodology, analysis of interview data revealed that these successful couples structured their lives around 10 major strategies: Valuing family, striving for partnership, deriving meaning from work, maintaining work boundaries, focusing and producing at work, taking pride in dual earning, prioritizing family fun, living simply, making decisions proactively, and valuing time. Each adaptive strategy is defined and illustrated through the participants' own words. Clinical applications for therapists working with dual‐earner couples are offered.