In considering racial differences in the stress process, the adapted Daily Stress Process Model also indicates that it is necessary to consider objective characteristics of stressors, such as stressor content (Almeida, 2005; McIntyre et al., 2008). Family stressors represent a specific class of daily stressors that include both interpersonal tensions as well as network events (Almeida, Wethington, & Kessler, 2002). Interpersonal tensions occur when one family member experiences dissatisfaction or frustration with the behavior of another family member, and involve both overt conflicts (i.e., family arguments) as well as tense social interactions where individuals chose to avoid an argument (i.e., avoided family arguments; Charles, Piazza, Luong, & Almeida, 2009). Network events refer to stressful events that happen to a family member (e.g., sister’s illness) that elicit adaptation in the participant. Stressors that directly threaten family relationships and directly involve the respondent, such as interpersonal tensions, may hold greater implications for daily health and well-being than network events that do not involve the respondent, but rather involve another family member’s stressors. Further, it is possible that racial differences characterize exposure and
