Becoming A Stepfamily

What determines whether stepfamilies remain together? What helps stepfamilies overcomes the difficulties of remarriage and become mutually supportive family units? How can mental health professionals better support this development? This book brings both clarity and depth to the unique and complex dynamics of remarried families. Patricia Papernow draws on interviews with over 100 stepfamily members, up-to-date research, a solid theoretical framework, and an empathic clinical sensibility to present an insightful model of stepfamily development, the Stepfamily Cycle. This details account of the sages of forming a lasting, cohesive group is richly illustrated by stepfamily members' own stories. The author offers therapists, clergy, school personnel, and others involved with stepfamilies a range of effective interventions, including preventive, educational, and clinical approaches.

Patricia L. Papernow is a psychologist in private practice in Cambridge, MA.

Part I: Becoming a Stepfamily: Issues and Concepts. Introduction. Stepfamily Structure: Bonds Without Blood. Part II: The Stepfamily Cycle: Normal Stages of Stepfamily Development. The Early Stages: Getting Started Without Getting Stuck. The Middle Stages: Restructuring the Family. The Later Stages: Solidifying the Stepfamily. Part III: Moving Through the Stepfamily Cycle: Patterns and Problems. Patterns of Development: Four Paths to Resolution. Problems in Stepfamily Development: Intervention. Part IV: Epilogue: What Stepfamilies Can Teach Us. Appendix A: Stepfamily Cycle Summary. Appendix B: Self-Help Guide for Stepfamilies. Appendix C: Summary of Clinical Intervention Strategies. Appendix D: Family Profiles.