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Time, Energy, and Money: Managing Family Resources

acts as a buffer against stress; and energy

resources, such as time, money, and

knowledge to acquire additional resources.

According to this theory, then, stress is the

response to a loss of resources, the threat of a

loss of resources, or a lack of expected gain

in resources (Hobfoll, 1989). It is interesting

to note recent research suggests that

altruism, or selfless giving of yourself, not

just to your family but to others as well, has

been associated with living longer, happier

lives, and an increased sense of well-being,

(Post, 2007; Post, Neimark, & Moss, 2007).

An increased sense of well-being decreases

our stress level, thus increasing our energy

resources.

The Effects of Stress

Stress is a commonly reported cause of

headaches and sleep difficulties. It can

make us vulnerable to illnesses such as

colds, flu, ulcers, allergies, high blood

pressure, and even heart attacks. Stress

drains our energy. Long-term stress

invariably leads to severe fatigue. In

extreme cases, it results in depression,

which has a profound effect on the entire

family (Lundberg, 2005; Nakajima, 1994;

Page, 1999).

Fatigue is a normal and important

response to physical exertion, emotional

stress, boredom, lack of sleep, and physical

illness. Sleep, good nutrition, and a low-

stress environment usually relieve fatigue.

However, families are anything but low-

stress environments. In fact, while families

are supposed to be a safe haven from the

world, they often are one of the major causes

of stress. Key sources of family stress include

conflicts between spouses, parenting

Social support from other family members can

buffer work-family stress.

Men are participating more in child care and are

therefore dealing with the additional stress of

too many demands and too little time.

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