ABSTRACT

Deborah, age 50, is married and the mother of two teenage children. One day at work, she had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital by an ambulance. This is clearly a medical emergency and a source of stress for Deborah and her family. However, a life-threatening event like this may also precipitate an emotional crisis for Deborah and for everyone involved. Chronic stress following Deborah’s physical illness could lead to an emotionally troubled family or to the mental breakdown of individual family members, depending on the various psychological, social, and cultural factors involved in the crisis. Whether this hazardous situation results in growth and enrichment for Deborah and her loved ones, or in a lower level of functioning for one or all of them, depends largely on their problem-solving abilities, cultural values regarding illness and health, and current levels of social and economic support.