On the Road Again: Dual-Career Commuter Relationships

Abstract

This literature review section on dual-career commuter marriages focuses on an ever-growing trend in career development andfamily dynamics that challenges the therapist to look at approaches to intervention in a new way. Selected research and strategies are presented to intrigue the reader to pursue a better understanding of this phenomenon.

Job Satisfaction and Family Functioning of Dual-Earner Commuter Family in Malaysia

“…Usually, the choice of commuter partnership can be motivated by a partners career commitment and particularly in case of dualearner couple's (Van der Klis, 2008). There are some factors that would encourage couples to consider to be a commuter family's which are: (1) Financials need or crisis, (2) professional imperative and (3) recognicion of potential oppurtinity (Rotter et al, 1998;Glotzer and Federlein, 2007). To that end, job satisfaction and family functioning can play an important role towards commuter families in Malaysia.…”

Miles That Bind: Commuter Marriage and Family Strengths

“…The basic factors encouraging couples and families to consider commuter marriage are: 1) financial need or crisis; 2) professional imperative; and 3) recognition of potential opportunity, for example, further development of individual human capital or improved standard of living (Rotter, Barnett, & Fawcett, 1998). Families, especially with younger children, will not typically involve themselves in commuter marriages based solely on professional imperative or opportunity.…”

Long-Distance Relationships in Dual-Career Commuter Couples: A Review of Counseling Issues

“…When commuting families are discussed in the literature, they are usually divided into two categories: those with and those without children living in the home. It is generally agreed that commuting is a more difficult lifestyle for those with children living in the home (Rotter, Barnett, & Fawcett, 1998). When the couple decides to commute, one parent typically stays at home with the children, thus taking on a greater degree of responsibility, stress, and workload, and the other parent moves to another location closer to his or her job (Anderson, 1992).…”