ABSTRACT
Yet to be evaluated are the interrelations of arenas of comfort and discomfort in the production of psychological and behavioral outcomes. Simmons and Blyth (1987) hypothesized that the presence of an arena of comfort within the life space provides opportunity for the individual to relax and rejuvenate so that problematic events and experiences elsewhere can be endured or overcome. They thought that positive social relationships and experiences in one domain could soothe the person and compensate for experiences that are threatening to the self-image in other life spheres. The findings presented in this chapter provide evidence that the presence of an extrafamilial arena of comfort does, in fact, condition the effects of change and/or discomfort in the family sphere.
