Question 1

Under what conditions are the majority of stepfamilies formed?

Accepted Answer

The majority of stepfamilies are formed following a divorce, as one or both partners enter into a new marriage or partnership, bringing children from previous relationships.

Question 2

Where are estimates of the prevalence of stepfamilies drawn from?

Accepted Answer

Estimates of the prevalence of stepfamilies are most accurately drawn from national surveys, which provide a broad and representative sample of the population, allowing for more accurate and generalizable estimates.

Question 3

Why are estimates of the prevalence of stepfamilies underreported?

Accepted Answer

Some members of the stepfamily, such as non-residential stepchildren or children from previous relationships who don't live full-time with the stepfamily, might not be counted in surveys or censuses, leading to underreporting.

Question 4

What is a hybrid stepfamily?

Accepted Answer

A hybrid stepfamily is characterized by having at least one child who is the biological offspring of both parents in the family, alongside stepchildren from previous relationships.

Question 5

Of the children who live with a stepparent, the majority are ______.

Accepted Answer

The majority of children who live with a stepparent are between the ages of 6 and 14. This age range is when children are in elementary to middle school, a common period for parents to enter new relationships after previous ones have ended, leading to the formation of stepfamilies.

Question 6

Which theoretical approach considers families as complex systems?

Accepted Answer

Family systems theory views families as complex systems where members interact to influence each other's behavior, emphasizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of family members.

Question 7

______ is a source of stress unique to stepfamilies.

Accepted Answer

Reduced clarity regarding member roles and family boundaries is a unique source of stress for stepfamilies, as they navigate blending different family cultures, rules, and expectations.

Question 8

Because basic patterns of family interactions get interrupted in stepfamilies, it is important to ______.

Accepted Answer

Negotiating new expectations, roles, rules, and traditions is crucial in stepfamilies to help integrate and harmonize the blended family dynamics, ensuring a smoother transition for all members.

Question 9

Faith and Helena just got married. They both bring children from previous partnerships to the family. Helena tried to tell Faith's daughter that her curfew had changed, and Faith's daughter laughed at her. Neither one is clear about their new roles and responsibilities. What term describes this situation?

Accepted Answer

This situation is described as internal boundary ambiguity, where members within a family are unclear about their roles and responsibilities, particularly in blended families or those undergoing significant changes.

Question 10

Compared to parenting biological children, stepparenting lacks clear guidelines or social norms, and many stepparents at least initially experience ambivalence at the family level. This results in ______.

Accepted Answer

Role ambiguity is the correct answer because it refers to the uncertainty and lack of clarity regarding one's role in a particular setting, which is a common experience for stepparents due to the absence of established norms and guidelines for their roles within the family.

Question 11

Stepparents belong in two distinct subsystems: ______.

Accepted Answer

Stepparents are part of both the couple subsystem, where they are a partner to one of the biological parents, and the coparent subsystem, where they share in the parenting responsibilities with the biological parent(s).

Question 12

Juggling the relationships with the stepchildren and the new partner is most closely associated with stress in the ______.

Accepted Answer

Juggling the relationships with stepchildren and a new partner is most closely associated with stress in the couple subsystem. This is because these dynamics directly impact the relationship between the partners, including how they navigate their roles as stepparents and maintain their connection amidst these challenges.

Question 13

Evidence shows that when stepcouples are unable to come to an agreement or gain clarity regarding the stepparent's role, stepparent well-being suffers. This is most closely associated with the ______

Accepted Answer

The answer of Evidence shows that when stepcouples are unable...

Question 14

A ______ is a situation where one family member feels torn between the competing wants and needs of two or more family members.

Accepted Answer

A loyalty bind occurs when a family member feels caught in the middle of the conflicting demands or loyalties of other family members, feeling torn between them.

Question 15

When a mother sees a stepparent's interactions with her child as an attack, she is acting as a(n) ______.

Accepted Answer

A mother who perceives a stepparent's interactions with her child as an attack is acting as a defender, as she is likely trying to protect her child from perceived harm.

Question 16

Gloria interrupts her partner when she is planning a lunch date with Gloria's daughter, Brie. Gloria is being a(n) ______.

Accepted Answer

Gloria is acting as a gatekeeper because she is controlling or limiting access to her daughter, Brie, by interrupting her partner's attempt to plan a lunch date. Gatekeeping involves managing or controlling information or access to people and resources.

Question 17

Tom, the stepparent, and Brianna, the stepchild, are arguing about doing the dishes again. Luisa steps in and tries to help Tom and Brianna negotiate a fair outcome. This is an example of Luisa being a(n) ______.

Accepted Answer

Luisa is acting as a mediator because she is intervening to help Tom and Brianna negotiate and reach a fair outcome, which is the role of a mediator in resolving disputes.

Question 18

The most common source of conflict in stepfamilies is ______.

Accepted Answer

Child-rearing often becomes the most common source of conflict in stepfamilies due to differing parenting styles, discipline methods, and emotional bonds with biological versus stepchildren.

Question 19

Rachel and Omar have been a stepfamily for 6 months and have good days and bad days. They are not concerned by this because they know that becoming a family is a process. They are looking forward to a bright future for their new family. This best exemplifies ______.

Accepted Answer

Rachel and Omar's understanding that becoming a family is a process and their optimism for the future exemplify realistic and positive expectations. They recognize that there will be challenges (good days and bad days) but remain hopeful and patient, which is crucial for the successful blending of a stepfamily.

Question 20

Flexibility, bonding, and relationship building; open and clear communication; and empathy are considered ______.

Accepted Answer

These are characteristics of resiliency in stepfamilies that support family well-being, as they help in adapting to the new family dynamics and in building strong, healthy relationships among all members.

Quiz 9: Stress and Resilience in Stepfamilies Today