Abstract
The current research enhances the understanding of transition day for researchers and clinicians who focus on marriage and family issues. A qualitative study involving 13 members (parents) of various stages of stepfamily development and demographics, is assessed. Interviews included questions for parents in a blended family and focused transitional day specific questions. By gaining a more in-depth understanding of transitional days in stepfamilies, immediate assistance may be provided to families who encounter difficulties during various stages of stepfamily/blended family formation. Useful approaches for current stepfamilies and future stepfamilies are discussed. Lastly, a new term is coined by the authors: “Transition Daze”.
Highlights
The prevalence of stepfamily membership continues to grow
The following selection criteria were used: a) The interviewee was a parent in a blended family or stepfamily, and b) The interviewee was open and willing to discuss their experiences about transitional days in stepfamilies
Coding: Transition Day as a theme was identified from the coding process
Summary
A national report conducted by the Pew Research Center on adults in America (Parker, 2011) noted that 42% (95.5 million) of adults have a steprelationship consisting of a stepparent, step or half sibling, or stepchild. 13% of adults are stepparents (29 - 30 million), 15% (16.5 million) of men are step-dads, and 12% (14 million) of women are stepmoms. The purpose of this study was to gain greater understanding of transitional days in the development of stepfamilies by systematically evaluating the content of semi-structured interviews collected from family members. Transitional days occur when families are in the process of forming or altering a stepfamily or blended family. Cherlin (2010) concluded that serial transitions in and out of marriage/divorce/cohabitation are typical of family life in the United States.
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