Question 1

Stepfamilies have unique features compared to families in which both biological parents reside. Which is NOT one of these unique features?

Accepted Answer

The model for stepparenting is not clear-cut and can vary greatly depending on the family dynamics and individual relationships between stepparents and stepchildren.

Question 2

About two-thirds of remarrying women under age 45 have cohabited with a partner between their first and second marriages, and the longer the time since a divorce, the more likely they are to cohabit.

Accepted Answer

This statement is based on research and surveys conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics.

Question 3

Over a third of children born in the United States today will be in a stepfamily before reaching age 18 and half will have a stepparent at some point in their lifetime.

Accepted Answer

According to research from the Pew Research Center, over a third of children in the United States will be in a stepfamily before reaching age 18 and half will have a stepparent at some point in their lifetime.

Question 4

Both Harold, a 65-year-old man, and Edna, a 62-year-old woman, have had many sexual partners. This is considered acceptable and even admirable for Harold but unacceptable for Edna. This is what is meant by the "double standard of aging."

Accepted Answer

The "double standard of aging" refers to societal attitudes that judge older women more harshly than older men for their appearance and perceived loss of youthfulness, not their sexual activity.

Question 5

According to __________, interventions aimed at the entire stepfamily, as opposed to just children or just adults, may prove particularly helpful.

Accepted Answer

Systems theory emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of family members and the larger systems in which they exist. Therefore, interventions aimed at the entire stepfamily may be more effective in addressing issues and improving relationships.

Question 6

How do children fare in stepfamilies?

Accepted Answer

Children in stepfamilies are more likely to experience social and behavioral problems compared to their counterparts in two-parent biological families. This can be attributed to adjustments to new family dynamics, discipline styles, and possible conflicts within the stepfamily structure.

Question 7

Renaldo and Inez are the parents in a stepfamily, and they are committed to having a "good stepfamily." Which of the following behaviors does NOT contribute to their having a "good stepfamily"?

Accepted Answer

Discussing Renaldo's ex-wife's flaws in front of the children is negative behavior that can contribute to tension and conflict in the stepfamily, and ultimately does not support the development of a "good stepfamily."

Question 8

Which of the following is a macro-level factor that influences stepfamilies?

Accepted Answer

Stereotypes, such as that of the "evil stepmother," are macro-level factors because they reflect societal attitudes and cultural narratives that influence stepfamilies from outside the immediate family structure. These societal perceptions can shape the experiences and challenges faced by stepfamilies.

Question 9

Stepparents believe that the ideal way a stepparent should relate to stepchildren is as a __________; and stepchildren believe the most appropriate way to relate is as a __________.

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that stepparents often see their role as being similar to that of a parent, while stepchildren typically prefer a relationship that is more akin to friendship. This difference in perspectives can sometimes lead to tension or misunderstanding within blended families.

Question 10

Remarriage, and the new family structures it creates, is a relatively modern invention.

Accepted Answer

Remarriage and blended families have existed throughout history, although societal attitudes towards them have varied.

Question 11

Jim, Daneen, and their children in the opening vignette represent a:

Accepted Answer

The opening vignette describes Jim and Daneen's family as a "good stepfamily" in which the children have adjusted well to the new family structure and the adults work together to create a positive environment for the children.

Question 12

Children in female-headed single-parent families report they talk to their mothers less often than do children in two-parent families.

Accepted Answer

Children in female-headed single-parent families often report having more frequent and open communication with their mothers compared to children in two-parent families, likely due to the closer bond formed in the context of single parenting.

Question 13

Most women are unaware that their standard of living is likely to drop significantly after a divorce, and it takes them by surprise.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Most women are unaware that their standard...

Question 14

Javier, a Hispanic man, is more likely to remarry than Coral, a White woman.

Accepted Answer

Statistically, men are generally more likely to remarry than women, but racial and ethnic backgrounds also influence remarriage rates. White women have been found to remarry at a higher rate than Hispanic men, according to various demographic studies.

Question 15

Audrey is a stepmother, and Devon is a stepfather. If they are typical of stepmothers and stepfathers, their situations are:

Accepted Answer

Stepmothers and stepfathers may have some similar challenges in blending a family, such as adjusting to a new household and establishing relationships with stepchildren, but their roles and experiences may also differ in significant ways based on the specific family dynamics and gender norms. Therefore, their situations are somewhat distinct from one another.

Question 16

Men are more likely to remarry than are women, and they do so more quickly because the pool of eligible partners is larger for men than it is for women due to cultural norms.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that men are indeed more likely to remarry than women, and they tend to do so more quickly. This is largely attributed to the fact that the pool of eligible partners is generally larger for men due to cultural norms and expectations around gender roles in relationships. However, it is important to note that this trend may vary based on individual circumstances and cultural contexts.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about stepfamilies is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following statements about stepfamilies...

Question 18

Remarried couples tend to perceive their new relationships as more equitable than their first marriage; however, they are still more likely to divorce than first-married couples.

Accepted Answer

Research studies suggest that remarried couples generally report feeling more satisfied and committed in their new relationships and view their partnerships as more equal than their first marriage. However, they still have a higher likelihood of divorce when compared to first-married couples, possibly due to the challenges associated with blending families and managing the complexities of a second marriage.

Question 19

What are some unique characteristics of stepmothers as compared to stepfathers?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are some unique characteristics of stepmothers...

Question 20

People who divorce are generally glad that they did.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the majority of people who divorce report feeling happier and more satisfied with their lives following the divorce. While divorce can be a difficult and stressful process, it often leads to positive changes and an improved quality of life in the long-term.

Quiz 13: Family Life, Partnering, and Remarriage After Divorce