Parenting - Stresses of Role Transition

Stresses of Role Transition

In 1968 Alice Rossi identified five stresses involved in entering parenthood

  • Irreversibility speaks to the issue that unlike other roles, one cannot easily leave parenthood once a child is born.
  • Lack of Preparation is exactly what it says. There is absolutely no way to plan for and practice parenting until you have a child in your arms to take care of constantly.
  • Idealization and Romanticization is the issue that if and when the reality of being a parent turns out to be different than what is expected, it is easy for new parents to become frustrated and disappointed in their new roles.
  • Suddenness addresses the issue that regardless of months of pregnancy, an individual goes from being a non-parent to a parent the moment that childbirth occurs and with that is the same suddenness of the responsibilities that go along with it.
  • Role Conflict is felt when the parental role affects all other roles that are held by the individual. It is sometimes difficult to manage all roles which can lead to stress and unhealthy coping.

Read more about this topic:  Parenting

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