Blog 6

The Family Stress Coping Theory and Family Resilience Theory has so many practical applications. I have recognized the role that family resilience and asset-based thinking have impacted the work of mental health professionals in my field. I have also had to look at family stress factors to serve as a resource for families and help link them with the tools needed to address challenges they are encountering.

This theory reminded me of a trailer I saw recently for an upcoming movie, called Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. The movie poster and link for the preview are included below:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_dideF5qvk

The reason this movie reminded me of the theory is inescapable- it is all about crisis and resilience! The movie follows 11-year-old Alexander as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life, but he does not get much sympathy from his family. After he wishes his upbeat family could share in his bad days so he is not alone. Then, his mom, dad, brother and sister all find themselves living through their own terrible days. Just from the preview, it is clear there are a number of stress factors which crop up in a short time for the family, not just its individual members.

Some of the taglines from the movie stick out to me, "We are not going to let this day get the better of us" or "If you find yourself in choppy waters, just remember you're the captain of your own ship." This clearly shows the elements of resilience, particularly in how a family deals with crisis. By recognizing that they are going to make it through together, despite how difficult their day is, they are able to build resilience and strengthen as a family unit.