Unemployment and the resulting financial hardships which occur are among the most difficult circumstances imposed upon families. A study was undertaken to identify the sources and degree of stress experienced by families affected by economic displacement through unemployment. A sample of unemployed families (N=146) responded to components of the Family Inventory of Life Events which dealt with the stressors present in their family life during a period of unemployment. Data were analyzed according to level of stress, length of unemployment, educational level of head of household, age of respondent, and family income level. The results indicated that there were widely varying sources of stress among the families, some of which could be directly attributed to the status of unemployment. Family income level and age were significantly correlated to level of stress present. Over one-half of the families reported increased strains to meet costs of food, clothing, and energy and medical/dental expenses. At least 20 percent of respondents reported increased marital conflicts; parent-child conflicts; and increased borrowing, unresolved conflicts, and educational expenses. Less than 10 percent of subjects reported problems of increases in alcohol or drug use, separation or divorce, relocation, legal violations, physical or sexual abuse, runaways, or child problems at school. These findings have implications for persons involved in helping to ameliorate the stressors present for economically displaced families. A two-page list of references and two tables giving the problems most frequently and those not frequently encountered by economically displaced families are appended. (NB)