Ten adaptive strategies for family and work balance: Advice from successful families

Despite negative media images and social dynamics insensitive to the lives of many dual-career couples, research shows that these families are largely healthy and thriving. In this study, we investigated the adaptive strategi es of middle-class, dual-earner couples (N = 47) with children that are suc cessfully managing family and work. Guided by grounded-theory methodology, analysis of interview data revealed that these successful couples structure d their lives around 10 major strategies: Valuing family striving for partn ership, deriving meaning from work, maintaining work boundaries, focusing a nd producing at work, taking pride in dual earning, prioritizing family Jun , living simply, making decisions proactively, and valuing time. Each adapt ive strategy is defined and illustrated through the participants' own words . Clinical applications for therapists working with dual-earner couples are offered.