Question 1

The most consistent findings on step-families show that children do better when

Accepted Answer

The most consistent finding on step-families is that children do better when all the adults in their lives get along. This reduces conflict and stress, and creates a more stable environment for the children. Option B is not appropriate because it suggests that the noncustodial father should not maintain a relationship, which is generally not in the best interest of the child. Option C is not ideal because the stepfather should not try to take over or replace the biological father. Option D is not ideal because it could harm the children's relationship with the noncustodial parent, and could lead to feelings of alienation and rejection.

Question 2

In which stage of the stepfamily cycle do members of the stepfamily get to know each other: stepparents learn about the children's likes and dislike,their friends,and their memories without trying to influence them?

Accepted Answer

The stage where members of the stepfamily get to know each other and stepparents learn about the children's likes and dislike, their friends, and their memories without trying to influence them is Stage 3: Awareness in the stepfamily cycle. This is the stage where everyone starts feeling more comfortable around each other, and there is less tension and anxiety.

Question 3

Which of the following theoretical explanations for the effects of stepparenting on children proposes living in a stepfamily creates numerous difficulties for children and other family members such as moving to another home or neighborhood and following different rules and schedules?

Accepted Answer

Family stress theories propose that living in a stepfamily creates additional stressors for both children and other family members such as dealing with new relationships, adjusting to a new home and neighborhood, and following different rules and schedules, which can lead to numerous difficulties.

Question 4

Clinician Patricia Papernow divides the process of becoming a stepfamily into three major stages.In the later stages,the family

Accepted Answer

In the later stages of becoming a stepfamily, the family should feel more comfortable with each other and the stepparent role should be well defined. This indicates that the family is successfully integrating and adapting to the new family structure. Options A and D are not accurate according to Papernow's stages, while option B is too broad and could apply to any stage of the process.

Question 5

According to Wright,lesbian stepfamilies reflect three distinct stepparent roles.In which type of family do both mothers have equal rights and responsibilities in everyday decisions and child-rearing tasks?

Accepted Answer

The co-mother family is the type of family in which both mothers have equal rights and responsibilities in everyday decisions and child-rearing tasks.

Question 6

The "myth of instant love" maintains that

Accepted Answer

The "myth of instant love" suggests that stepmothers will automatically love their stepchildren, which is not necessarily true. This idea can create unrealistic expectations and put unnecessary pressure on both the stepmother and stepchildren.

Question 7

Which stage of the stepfamily cycle is characterized by chaos and confusion?

Accepted Answer

Stage 2, immersion, is characterized by chaos and confusion as family members are still adjusting to their new roles and dynamics.

Question 8

According to Wright,lesbian stepfamilies reflect three distinct stepparent roles.In which type of family does the lesbian stepmother perform most of the traditional mothering tasks,but the biological mother retains most of the decision making power?

Accepted Answer

In the stepmother family, the lesbian stepmother performs most of the traditional mothering tasks, but the biological mother retains most of the decision-making power. In the cohabitating family, the lesbian stepmother and biological mother are not yet married or cohabiting. In the co-parent family, both mothers share in the mothering tasks and decision-making power equally. In the co-mother family, both mothers are seen as equals, but the biological mother is the one who gave birth to the child(ren) and therefore may have a stronger bond or connection.

Question 9

Stepmothers can often "live up to" the myth of the evil stepmother because they

Accepted Answer

Stepmothers may try to meet their husband's expectations by imposing some kind of order on the household, which could be perceived as controlling or authoritarian by the stepchildren. This can contribute to the myth of the evil stepmother. However, it is important to note that not all stepmothers fit this stereotype and many have positive relationships with their stepchildren.

Question 10

Much of the stress in stepfamilies is due to

Accepted Answer

Stepfamilies often do not fit the idealized version of a family in society, leading to confusion and ambiguity about roles and expectations. The lack of clear cultural norms can contribute to stress and conflict. The continued presence of a noncustodial parent and rivalry between stepmothers and stepdaughters can also contribute to stress, but they are not the primary factor. Age difference between spouses may be a factor in some cases, but it is not a major cause of stress in stepfamilies.

Question 11

Which group of children is least likely to live in a stepfamily?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that Asian American families are less likely to experience divorce and remarriage, which makes it less likely for their children to live in stepfamilies.

Question 12

Stepfamilies differ from nuclear families in many ways that make steparenting more difficult.Which of the following is NOT one of these ways?

Accepted Answer

Stepfamilies are often less cohesive than nuclear families, as the bonds between stepfamily members may not be as strong due to the complexities and challenges of blending families.

Question 13

Jim feels rejected because his stepchildren want to maintain a relationship with their noncustodial father.Which one of the ten commandments of stepparenting is he not heeding?

Accepted Answer

The fourth commandment of stepparenting is to allow an outlet for the children's feelings for the biological parent. Jim is not heeding this commandment as he feels rejected by his stepchildren's desire to maintain a relationship with their noncustodial father. By allowing the children to express their feelings and maintain a relationship with their biological parent, Jim can create a more positive and accepting environment in his blended family.

Question 14

Stan and Maria try to show their children and stepchildren that they get along together,can settle disputes,and will not be divided by the children.Which one of the ten commandments of stepparenting are they following?

Accepted Answer

Stan and Maria are maintaining the primacy of their marital relationship by showing their children and stepchildren that they get along and can settle disputes, therefore not allowing the children to divide them.

Question 15

Which of the following is recommended by family practitioners to deal with sexuality issues within the stepfamily?

Accepted Answer

Family practitioners recommend that parents should be affectionate but not passionate with each other when children are around to maintain boundaries and avoid confusing them with sexual behavior. Sharing rooms or encouraging affectionate behavior between stepchildren and stepparents can lead to further complications and misunderstandings. Ignoring teenage crushes on stepparents can also be detrimental to the emotional well-being of the child in question.

Question 16

Which of the following is one of the ten commandments of stepparenting?

Accepted Answer

Providing neutral territory is one of the ten commandments of stepparenting as it helps in making the child feel more comfortable and not stuck between loyalty conflicts. It helps in avoiding any power struggles between the stepparent and the biological parent. Therefore, option A is correct. Options B, C, and D are not valid as they are not a part of the ten commandments and can negatively impact the child's well-being.

Question 17

Some stepparents act as ___________________,a role midway between that of parent and friend.

Accepted Answer

The term "quasikin" refers to a stepparent who acts as a role midway between that of a parent and a friend. Option B is not a common term used to describe the role of a stepparent. Option C refers to an individual in a family who actively maintains family relationships and connections. Option D is not a common term used to describe the role of a stepparent.

Question 18

Stepfathers may have more decision-making power in a new stepfamily because

Accepted Answer

Men often have more financial resources than women, which can give them more decision-making power in various contexts, including in new stepfamilies.

Question 19

Which of the following is true concerning the issues faced by stepfamilies?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that relationships between stepmothers and stepchildren are often more strained than those between stepfathers and stepchildren. This could be due to societal expectations of mothers as primary caregivers or unresolved feelings of loyalty to the biological mother. The other options are incorrect as most stepparents do care about what they are called, most states do not regulate sexual relations between members of stepfamilies, and there is no conclusive evidence that children of remarried fathers do better financially with their biological mothers.

Question 20

In which stage of the stepfamily cycle do the family members interact more easily; there is less withdrawal and more recognition of each other's efforts?

Accepted Answer

In stage 6, the contact stage, stepfamily members start to interact more easily, showing less withdrawal and more recognition of each other's efforts. This stage is characterized by the establishment of more solid relationships and a sense of family identity.

Quiz 16: Remarriages and Stepfamilies