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Kathryn Lewis Ginebaugh, Psy.D.
Gregory S. Ginebaugh
Michigan Crisis Response Association
495 79th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
616-554-5961
An accumulation of research suggests that being in a happy marriage produces a variety of benefits for spouses
including: improved mental and physical health, increased life expectancy, and sense of stability (the presenters will
discuss the research findings for cohabitating partners as well). Additionally, studies have shown that support from
a partner can be extremely helpful to individuals coping with a variety of stressful conditions such as cancer and
chronic illness. Research also suggests that being in an unsatisfying marriage may shorten longevity and be related
to a variety of health conditions.
The demands inherent in all types of crisis intervention work create stress for workers. Individuals who deal with
emotionally charged problems and life-threatening situations at work face the challenge of finding ways to manage
their stress reactions and avoid taking out their stress upon their family members when they are home. This is more
easily said than done. Crisis workers may be familiar with the concepts of practicing good self-care and minimizing
burnout yet find they manage their stress in ways others find difficult. Thus work related stress has the distinct
ability to impact workers and their spouses and families negatively.
A pilot program initiated with fire fighters and their spouses in southwest Michigan serves as a model for use with
many other types of crisis workers. The program provided fire fighters and their spouses with education on the
nature of stress and stress reactions, the typical profile of a first responder, and ways individuals and families can
mitigate stress in a humorous and interesting manner.
"The Power of the Spouse" will present the fire service program and details ways in which it might be adapted to
other professions. The presenters, a husband and wife, fire fighter and psychologist respectively, will discuss the
impact their professions have upon them and upon each other. Additionally, the presenters will explore with the
participants other ways to creatively and positively increase and utilize spousal support.
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