Dual-Career Family Stress and Coping: A Literature Review

Abstract

The literature concerning dual-career family stress and coping is reviewed. Sources of dual-career strain are delineated, and the coping patterns employed by couples in managing the stress are summarized. Although acknowledging stressful aspects of dual-career living, it was found that most participants defined their lifestyle positively. Achieving a balance between the advantages and disadvantages of the lifestyle appears to be the overriding concern of most dual-career couples. Some implications for family practitioners are discussed.