Identifier

etd-0630103-102630

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Human Ecology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The primary focus of the study was to examine the relationship between family daily hassles and family coping and managing strategies. Additionally, the three dimensions of daily hassles, time and energy involvement, positive influence, and negative influence, were investigated. Data were collected from 290 families with school-age children. Mothers and fathers completed a self-administered survey on family daily hassles and family coping and managing strategies. The final sample consisted of 255 mothers (51% African American) and 128 fathers (62% White) of families with first and third grade children from a mid-sized, southern city. The findings of the study indicate that dimensions of daily hassles are important and must continue to be explored. Mothers, and fathers, reported higher than expected levels of the time and energy involvement and the positive influence of daily hassles, and lower than expected levels of the negative influence of daily hassles. The hypothesis that family daily hassles, as measured by the time and energy involvement, the positive influence, and the negative influence, are related to family coping and managing strategies was supported by correlational analysis. The three dimensions of family daily hassles were found to be stronger predictors of managing strategies rather than of coping strategies. Of the three dimensions of daily hassles, the positive influence of family daily hassles was found to be a statistically significant predictor of managing strategies for both mothers and fathers. Reframing and, especially, Spirituality were reported as used by families the most, indicating that these aspects of coping deserve attention and should be included in an assessment of coping strategies, particularly for African American families.

Date

2003

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Betsy Garrison

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.2452

Included in

Human Ecology Commons

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