TITLE:
A Qualitative Analysis of the Stepparent Role on Transition Days in Blended Families
AUTHORS:
Charity Perry-Fraser, Rick Fraser
KEYWORDS:
Stepparent Roles, Blended Families, Stepfamily, Transition Daze, Transition Day, Stepparent
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.6 No.8,
August
27,
2018
ABSTRACT: The current qualitative research study enhances the understanding of stepparent roles on transition day for researchers and clinicians who focus on marriage and family issues. Thirteen family members (parents, stepparents) who were in various stages of stepfamily formation were assessed. The current study explicated three themes of the stepparent role on transition day. The themes were: stepparent role and authority, stepparent role and ambiguity, and lastly, stepparent role and single to having children. By gaining a more in-depth understanding of stepparent roles during days of transition, immediate assistance may be provided to families who encounter transition difficulties. Useful approaches for current and future stepfamilies are discussed.