Synonyms
Definition
Stepfamily is defined as “a unit that is created when two adults form a household in which one or both brings a child from a previous relationship” (DiVerniero 2011, p. 3).
Introduction
There are many different types of stepfamilies. According to Papernow (2018), “Stepfamilies come in many forms. Stepcouples may be married, or unmarried” (p. 3). For example, a family that is shaped by two individuals and only one of them has children is called a “simple” stepfamily. A different type of stepfamily includes an adult who is either married to or cohabitating with another adult, and both adults have children; these are called “complex” families. A stepfamily is created once a parent takes a new partner, by living together, or due to divorce. Previous paternal relationships may have ended in divorce, death, or breakup in the case of unmarried couples. The divorce average has fallen in the United States, with the...
References
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Alenezi, M. (2020). Stepfamilies. In: Shackelford, T., Weekes-Shackelford, V. (eds) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_1157-1
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