A Qualitative analysis of stepfamily formation in Singapore

Abstract

In semi-structured interviews, members of nine stepfamilies described their lives (a) after the decision to form a stepfamily was made and (b) through the different stages of stepfamily formation. Using a qualitative-interpretive method, transcripts of the interviews were analysed for stages in stepfamily development. The stages identified in the study were comparable to those described by Papernow (1984,1993), but included a Premarriage stage which was absent in the latter. Similar themes and developmental tasks emerged at the matched stages. Respondents also reported a variety of available resources. Some demographic and psycho-social factors were common to the families that developed rapidly. Additional findings that emerged were (i) factors that affect the stepparent's entry into the stepfamily,(ii) advice stepfamilies members had for others and (iii) worldview of the adolescents.Recommendations include services and policy changes that would be beneficial to stepfamilies as well as further study on stepfamilies.