UNPACKING STORIES: EXPLORING THE EXPERIENCES OF CHILDREN FROM RECONSTITUTED FAMILIES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the experiences of children living in reconstituted families and to understand the factors that have influenced their adjustment. Existing literature has increasingly recognize the importance of studying the experiences and unique challenges of those from reconstituted families, however, research involving the child’s perspective on the family reconstitution still remains relatively under-developed. Schlossberg’s Model for Analyzing Human Adaptation to Transitions was utilized to guide the study. The model’s factors have been tailored and applied to the context of a family reconstitution, paving the way for conceptualizing and understanding experiences and factors which have impacted the child’s adjustment to their reconstituted family. An exploratory qualitative research method was utilized, with semi-structured interviews as the main tool for collecting data from the seven participants from reconstituted households. Analysis of findings revealed that family restructuring was commonly experienced amongst all participants, in particular reconstructing parental expectations and the change in family boundaries. Findings also highlighted the factors which facilitated and impeded adjustment. Awareness of children’s experiences of the reconstituted family and the factors that contribute to their adjustment sheds light on how social work practitioners can better empathize and offer effective forms of support to the child, given the rising number of reconstituted households in Singapore.