Parents Archives - The American Institute of Stress

Parenting stress alters the link between attachment avoidance and sexual satisfaction in couples with children

William Heckman — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 23:34:58 +0000

Higher levels of attachment avoidance in both mothers and fathers were associated with lower sexual satisfaction in themselves, as reported in The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality.

Romantic attachment and sexual satisfaction are closely interconnected, with attachment security fostering intimacy and satisfaction, while attachment insecurity (anxiety or avoidance) undermines these outcomes. Parenting stress, a chronic stressor tied to the demands of child-rearing, often results in decreased attention to romantic relationships. Mariève Vandervoort and colleagues examined parents with school-aged children to explore how parenting stress moderates the link between attachment orientations and sexual satisfaction.

This study included 103 mixed-sex couples from two Canadian provinces, all of whom had at least one child between the ages of 6-11 years. Participants were recruited through community advertisements, and data were collected during a home visit, where both parents completed self-report questionnaires independently. The study drew on data from the second wave of a longitudinal project, conducted approximately 4.5 years after the first wave.

Romantic attachment was assessed using the short-form Experiences in Close Relationships scale (ECR-12), which measures attachment anxiety (e.g., fear of rejection, excessive reassurance-seeking) and attachment avoidance (e.g., reluctance to depend on others, emotional withdrawal). Sexual satisfaction was measured using the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX), which evaluates the overall quality of sexual experiences on dimensions such as pleasure, fulfillment, and positivity.

Parenting stress was assessed with the Parenting Stress Index (PSI), which measures stress related to parenting responsibilities, including perceived difficulty in managing child-related demands. By analyzing responses from both partners, the study examined how each parent’s attachment style and stress levels influenced their own and their partner’s sexual satisfaction.

Higher attachment avoidance in both mothers and fathers was linked to lower sexual satisfaction in themselves. Fathers’ attachment avoidance also negatively affected mothers’ sexual satisfaction, suggesting that emotional withdrawal may undermine intimacy and fulfillment for their partners. However, attachment anxiety in either parent was not significantly associated with sexual satisfaction, contrasting with some previous research findings.

A key finding was that fathers’ parenting stress moderated the link between their attachment avoidance and their partner’s sexual satisfaction. Surprisingly, as fathers’ parenting stress increased, the negative effect of their attachment avoidance on mothers’ sexual satisfaction weakened. This suggests that, in higher-stress situations, fathers’ avoidant tendencies may become less relevant, either because stress elicits greater empathy from their partners or because parenting demands overshadow the influence of attachment styles.

Of note is that the sample consisted primarily of well-functioning, high-income, heterosexual couples, limiting generalizability to diverse populations.

The study, “The moderating role of parenting stress when it comes to romantic attachment and sexual satisfaction,” was authored by Mariève Vandervoort, Michelle Lonergan, Marie-France Lafontaine, and Jean-François Bureau.

To learn more about stress, go to stress.org

by Mane Kara-Yakoubian

Photo by Gustavo Fring

OP- Parenting, Relationships and Sexual Health

A boomer’s thoughts on workplace flexibility

William Heckman — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:15:49 +0000

Today’s world is more demanding than ever, so employers need to adapt and get creative to meet their workforce’s evolving needs.

Managing the web of family and work responsibilities has always been a challenge, but for many of us, it has reached a new level of intensity. I often find myself in the middle of a demanding balancing act. Many in my generation, baby boomers, are caught between caring for our aging parents and supporting our children, who might be starting their own families or are still finding their way through education and early careers.

Today’s world demands more from everyone, and my generation feels it acutely. The acceleration of workplace expectations, driven by digital accessibility and the relentless pace of business, means that balancing work and home responsibilities has never been more challenging. The expectation to be constantly connected and responsive has turned up the pressure dial, making it harder to carve out quality time for family and personal well-being.

IT’S TIME TO ADDRESS STRESS

According to Marsh McLennan Agency’s 2024 Employee Health & Benefits Trends: The Evolving Workforce report, flexibility in the workplace is important for many. Sixty-four percent of Gen X–ers expect flexibility from their employer and 33% of baby boomers rank it as a top priority. The report underscores a critical point: As home and family responsibilities increase, so do the demands of a faster-paced workplace, leading to strain on mental health and overall well-being.

This merging of increased personal responsibilities and heightened workplace expectations is increasingly difficult to navigate. According to recent studies, employee burnout has become a significant concern for employers, with detrimental effects on both individuals and organizations. Consider the following statistics:

A survey conducted by Gallup found that burned-out employees are 63% more likely to take a sick day and 2.6 times more likely to actively seek a new job.
The American Institute of Stress estimates workplace stress and burnout cost U.S. industries approximately $300 billion annually.
OSHA cites that job stress and burnout contribute to around 120,000 deaths each year in the United States alone.

The need to address stress is an urgent one. The good news is employers can take proactive steps to create more opportunities for flexibility for workers. By acknowledging the unique pressures we face—and implementing supportive measures—employers can help alleviate some of the stress and foster a healthier, more balanced workforce.

HOW EMPLOYERS CAN HELP

Individual job roles understandably impact how employers can create more flexibility for their employees. Those on the line or manufacturing floor, teachers, and health care providers may not have the same opportunities for flexibility as others.

However, everyone can make small adjustments to maximize flexibility within an employee’s role and responsibilities. Here are some examples you can try:

1. IDENTIFY NEW SOURCES OF LABOR.

Collaborate with operations and HR to find innovative ways to fill gaps in your workforce. Don’t accept the status quo of being understaffed. Consider part-time employees, individuals with different credentials, or contractors to fill in as needed.

For example, my friend is a physical therapist at a rehab facility, and the facility typically staffs what the medical field calls PRNs (pro re nata, meaning “as needed” in Latin) on the weekend. There was a time in his career when he worked as a PRN himself, which gave him the flexibility to work when he wanted. This arrangement also gives full-time health care providers the ability to take time off, knowing that a PRN can step in while they’re away.

Regardless of your industry, consider contract workers or other flexible staffing options. Operations and HR will need to work closely to build a capable workforce and a process to proactively identify any gaps.

2. OFFER SPECIFIC CAREGIVING BENEFITS.

Provide flexibility benefits to support the care needs of your team. Not all employees have elderly parents or young kids to care for, but when they do, offering such benefits sends a message that you care. Benefits like caregiving leave, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and mental health services can be valuable.

Additionally, consider offering telehealth visits and financial planning services to help employees manage their finances, reduce debt, and save for retirement. These types of services can reduce anxiety and improve overall employee well-being.

3. BE FLEXIBLE AND ALLOW EMPLOYEES TO MANAGE THEIR DAY.

Helping employees maintain their balance between personal and professional responsibilities requires flexibility on your part. Allow your employees to juggle their time to meet these needs effectively. This flexibility goes beyond remote work; it’s about creating a supportive work-life balance.

For instance, I occasionally need to take my dad to the doctor during the day, but it alleviates a lot of stress for me to be able to pick up where I left off in the evening when that works for me. If you enforce rigid structures, employees might struggle to keep up with their obligations. Consider how flexible you can be in terms of work hours, location, and other aspects of the job to help your employees manage their responsibilities while also aiming to help reduce their stress.

HELP YOUR EMPLOYEES THRIVE

Today’s world is more demanding than ever, so employers need to adapt and get creative to meet their workforce’s evolving needs. Flexibility, innovative staffing, and supportive benefits are essential. I see this firsthand as I juggle the pressures of supporting my kids, caring for my aging parents, and staying connected at work. By offering flexibility and support, employers can help their employees thrive in this complex environment.

Original Post

Photo by Marcus Aurelius

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kate Moher is the President of National Employee Health & Benefits at Marsh McLennan Agency, a Marsh McLennan company. Read Kate’s Executive Profile here. More

Surgeon General issues advisory on parental stress: The impact on children and families

William Heckman — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:11:54 +0000

Parenthood is a chapter in people’s lives that changes them forever. Priorities, routines, and everything else shift for the safety and well-being of children. Mothers and fathers say that the sacrifice is worth it, but a new concern is rising among caregivers. Parental stress is stressors that impact parents’ and caregivers’ mental health and well-being. The severity of this matter is growing to the extent of where the Surgeon General has issued an advisory. Dr. Robin Gurwitch is a psychologist and professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center. She explores this topic and shares why we must check on mom and dad as much as the kids.

“We should take this matter very seriously because the alternative is unthinkable. We are seeing mental health crises affecting our children and the adults that are taking care of them. If we do not see that this is a problem and take steps to change the course, then we’re not serving our next generation at all.” said Dr. Robin Gurwitch.

The surgeon general released his advisory in August. Items considered stressors for parents and caregivers are financial strains, children’s health and safety, and time demands. Factors in today’s society, such as technology, social media, feelings of loneliness, and comparisons, are new stressors parents must encounter. The advisory states that about 41 percent of parents are so stressed that they cannot function. The impact of this stress can lead to mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These issues not only trickle down to the children but can affect the stability of the home and develop physical problems for the kids as well. According to the Surgeon General’s advisory, children of a primary caregiver who reported poor mental health were four times more likely to have poor general health and two times more likely to have mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders.

“The Surgeon General’s report on parenting stress was incredibly timely and important. I think stress impacts families nationwide more than ever before, including our children. Our children are also being impacted by stress, and it’s not a one-way street,” said Dr. Gurwitch.

In a recent Sci-Line presentation, a Duke University professor explained that parental stress builds on each other. Large amounts of parental stress can impede parents’ ability to be their best at work, at home, and in relationships. Dr. Gurwitch discusses how parental stress starts a vicious cycle of children being stressed by the parent and vice versa. Temper tantrums and meltdowns in younger children are one sign of the impact of parental stress on them. In teenagers, withdrawal and defiance are signs of impact.

“When children are stressed, we often see it come out in behaviors. They have a harder time with sleep, a harder time with focus, and more anxiety and worry, which leads to challenges at school. This impacts parents trying to figure out how to help their children,” said Dr. Gurwitch.

Dr. Gurwitch recommends walking, listening to music, and connecting with friends to relieve parental stress. She also advises creating a routine and encouraging people to use the same coping strategies used during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“If COVID taught us anything, it introduced new ways of dealing with stress. Whether it is taking a moment to watch something funny or taking a walk in the beauty of nature, it is about finding those quiet moments. Tapping into those activities you did during COVID can help relieve some of the stressors,” said Dr. Gurwitch.

The Duke University professor is acting against parental stress through a program called C.A.R.E. (Child Adult Relationship Enhancement). This program provides trauma-informed skills to adults who interact with children and teens who have experienced trauma. The material in CARE can be used in any setting and caters to welfare and at-risk families.

Parental stress is challenging, but Dr. Gurwitch hopes people can overcome it. She believes that if we recognize the problem and look at the variables causing it, we can find solutions to reduce it. Providing parents with the support they need is essential for them to become the best caregivers possible.

“I wouldn’t be in this field if I didn’t believe in hope if I didn’t believe that change is possible. I believe we can have a different outcome with the support, and that’s our responsibility,” said Dr. Gurwitch.

To find out more about stress, go to STRESS.ORG

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

by Clayton Gutzmore for The Atlanta Voice