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Stepfamilies are complex and diverse. Until recently there has been little research that has explored stepfathers' perspectives concerning their involvement in stepfamilies. A number of fatherhood researchers have suggested similarities between stepfathers and biological fathers in the provision of nurture and care for stepchildren. This exploratory study was designed to develop knowledge and understanding of stepfathers' involvement in the care of stepchildren, from their own perspectives. In-depth interviews were carried out with thirty-five stepfathers. The aim was to identify what being a stepfather means to men, by examining the ways in which they make commitments to, take responsibilities for, and are sensitive to their stepchildren. Stepfathers' involvement in stepfamilies, in terms of their care for and about stepchildren, was examined across a range of activities in different types of stepfamilies. The study also examined the resources stepfathers drew upon in their stepfathering and the constraints they faced, and how the men shaped their own identities in stepfamilies. The findings suggest three models of stepfathering. The first group expressed the least clarity about their roles, had little involvement in stepfamilies. The second group demonstrated a traditionally masculinist approach to parenting. They were 'moderately involved' in stepfamilies, with clearly defined roles for mothers, stepfathers, and non-resident fathers. Men in the third group demonstrated a pluralistic imagery of family life, a less gendered interpretation of fathering, and a more equitably gendered pattern of couple relations. They were actively involved in sharing the care for stepchildren with the children's mothers and non-resident fathers. They made commitments, negotiated responsibilities, were sensitive to stepchildren's needs, and had made changes to their traditional work-oriented, primary-earner role, in order to do more care for the next generation.

Stepfamilies are shown by existing research as having multiple problems unique to this type of family, some of which include role ambiguity, role strain, role captivity, increased stress and adjustment problems in children. Stepparents are portrayed as evil, abusive and wicked in the media, literature or film, while stepchildren are variously portrayed as victims, naughty and manipulative. These popular perceptions of stepfamilies appear to be shaped by myths or dominant narratives which serve to shape stepfamily member's experience of and roles in the reconstituted family. Drawing on the work of postmodernism, social constructionism and the narrative theorists this study will expose those dominant narrative or myths which shape the experience of two stepfamilies. Using an emergent design, the experiences of these two families is described in an attempt to highlight some of the implications such an approach holds for both further research and psychotherapy. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

This study explored the experiences of stepmothers of non-residential stepchildren, using a phenomenological approach and qualitative exploratory design. Participants were recruited in the Gauteng area through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the information. The findings of this study indicate the following: the participants, in their role as stepmothers of non-residential stepchildren, experienced various challenges that were very stressful, especially during the early stages of stepfamily formation. The lack of acknowledgement of the stepmothers’ dedication to their stepchildren, as well as conflicting rules concerning how to care for the children, caused distress for the participants. Support from their partners, as well as improved stepfamily relationships over time, were acknowledged as contributing factors to the participants’ continued commitment to their stepfamilies. Further research on stepmothers of non-residential stepchildren is recommended / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

This study explored the experiences of stepmothers of non-residential stepchildren, using a phenomenological approach and qualitative exploratory design. Participants were recruited in the Gauteng area through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the information. The findings of this study indicate the following: the participants, in their role as stepmothers of non-residential stepchildren, experienced various challenges that were very stressful, especially during the early stages of stepfamily formation. The lack of acknowledgement of the stepmothers’ dedication to their stepchildren, as well as conflicting rules concerning how to care for the children, caused distress for the participants. Support from their partners, as well as improved stepfamily relationships over time, were acknowledged as contributing factors to the participants’ continued commitment to their stepfamilies. Further research on stepmothers of non-residential stepchildren is recommended / Psychology / M. A. (Clinical Psychology)

Stepfamilies are shown by existing research as having multiple problems unique to this type of family, some of which include role ambiguity, role strain, role captivity, increased stress and adjustment problems in children. Stepparents are portrayed as evil, abusive and wicked in the media, literature or film, while stepchildren are variously portrayed as victims, naughty and manipulative. These popular perceptions of stepfamilies appear to be shaped by myths or dominant narratives which serve to shape stepfamily member's experience of and roles in the reconstituted family. Drawing on the work of postmodernism, social constructionism and the narrative theorists this study will expose those dominant narrative or myths which shape the experience of two stepfamilies. Using an emergent design, the experiences of these two families is described in an attempt to highlight some of the implications such an approach holds for both further research and psychotherapy. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)