Therapists' Perceptions of Bioparent-Child Relationships in Stepfamilies

Abstract

Stepfamily relationship research has focused on step-relationships with particular emphasis on stepparent-stepchild relationships, despite increasing evidence that residential bioparent-child relationships can be negatively impacted through remarriage and stepfamily living. In this project, 9 stepfamily therapists were interviewed about their experiences of the bioparent-child dyad in stepfamilies. A number of themes emerged from these interviews around parental responses and stepfamily processes that were observed by the therapists to be hurtful or helpful for children and adolescents. These included loss of time and attention; differences in meaning of remarriage for children and parents; problems around discipline, and loyalty issues; the ongoing psychological significance of the original family; and interparental conflict. Implications for models of stepfamily adjustment are discussed.