Stepfamilies

This book reviews the current global research and highlights the challenges, possibilities, and dynamics of stepfamilies. It describes their formation, their experiences, and the factors that help them thrive. International and cultural differences are highlighted along with issues of class, gender, race, and religion. Nontraditional stepfamilies (i.e. same-sex families) and the history, diversity, and demography of stepfamilies are also explored along with clinical and legal issues. Engagingly written with numerous vignettes and examples, each chapter features objectives, an introduction, summary, key terms, discussion questions, exercises, a glossary, and additional resources. The book appeals to students and those who work with stepfamilies in a counseling or legal setting.

Jan Pryor, PhD, is an adjunct professor at Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand.

1. Introduction to Stepfamilies 2. Frameworks and Theories for Understanding Stepfamilies 3. Contexts of Stepfamilies: Culture and Race 4. Stepfamily Formation: Pathways and Processes 5. Adults in Stepfamilies 6. Adult and Sibling Relationships in Stepfamilies 7. Child-Adult Relationships 8. Children in Stepfamilies 9. Intergenerational Relationships in Stepfamilies 10. Gay and Lesbian Stepfamilies 11. The Stepfamily as a Unit: Challenges and Wellbeing 12. Interventions for Stepfamilies 13. Legal and Policy Issues for Stepfamilies 14. Overview and Conclusions