M.A. (Psychology) / Although the reconstituted family is an ever-increasing phenomenon in society today, there is a shortage of literature and research studies on the subject. It is, therefore, the aim of this study to obtain more information regarding the functioning of this type of family structure. The major part of this study consists of a theoretical literature survey of the functioning of the reconstituted family measured against the healthy and optimal functioning of the traditional nuclear family. The following aspects of healthy functioning in the reconstituted family were reviewed: cohesion, communication, commitment, adaptation, establishment of boundaries, the power structure, the extent of autonomy, acceptance of separation and loss, the perception of reality, and affect. The phases of family development in the reconstituted family were also discussed because of their importance in the evaluation of family functioning. In addition, research literature was used to emphasize the complexity of the reconstituted family's functioning in relation to aspects such as boundaries and family integration. There is, however, a definite gap in research on systemic aspects such as communication and cohesion which relate to positive and optimal functioning in the reconstituted family.

M. Ed. (Educational Psychology) / In the author's daily handling of clients at the Institute for Child and Adult Guidance at the Rand Afrikaans University she came to the startling realization of just how many children are' either going through or have already gone through the trauma of their parents' divorce and the reconstitution of the family unit after their parent's remarriage. The author believes that there are unique problems facing today's child in the reconstituted family; so unique in fact, that it may be viable to develop a parental guidance program specifically for the reconstituted family. To ascertain whether a parental guidance program specifically for the reconstituted family is really necessary and desirable, an attempt is made to provide positive and qualitative answers to questions such as: Do normal families really differ from reconstituted families? If so, how and to what extent? Are there major differences in the typical problems facing the parents of the two types of family? Are there major differences between the two family types in "the way children perceive their parents?' The author, therefore, endeavors to identify problem areas in the reconstituted family by first of all studying available literature in an attempt to define a normal family; a reconstituted family; the functioning of a normal family; relationships in the reconstituted family and possible problems that may surface. In an empirical study three practical case studies handled at the Institute of Child and Adult Guidance are studied and an attempt is made to isolate those problems that are unique to' the reconstituted family...

Children in stepfamilies accept, for the most part, both their fathers - their noncustodial biological father and their stepfather - as part of the family, even when the children are representing the ideal family as they imagine it. Important factors in children's level of acceptance of their stepfathers include children's perception of a warm relationship between them and their stepfather, and between them and their mother, as well as a positive emotional climate in the family overall. Stepfathers are accepted by children if they impose a lower level of parental control over them. Children are also more likely to accept their stepfathers the longer the time has elapsed since the divorce of their biological parents, and the longer they have lived with their stepfather. Children wish to have closer relationships with their non-custodial biological. They would also prefer if stepfathers exercised less authority over their families. Children often express a wish for the relationships among the significant adults in the family to be free of conflict. As expressed by one of the children: "I am not happy that dad has moved away, but if my parents have decided that it should be so, then at least I want everyone to get along."

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 investigated the difference in stress levels of stress factors according to the structure or type of family. The relatedness of the ranking of stress factors within and across three family types and the relationship between level of stress and number of years in current family type were also examined. Important aspects of this study were using three family types, using families seeking counseling as the subjects, and investigating numerous stress factors across family types. These research techniques avoided the limitations of previous research which investigated only one family type, thus isolating special stress issues for a certain family type where those special issues actually might not differentiate among family types. Also, considering numerous stress factors at one time, rather than only a few factors, indicated relative levels of stress as well as absolute stresses that families are likely to experience. Targeting families who had sought counseling should give counselors a more realistic view of clients and their problems.

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)

RESUMO PORRECA, W. Famílias Recompostas: Casais Católicos em Segunda União. 2004. 124f. Dissertação de Mestrado – Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP)/ Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 2004. A instituição familiar está passando por mudanças diversas, dentre as quais se inclui o aumento de separações e divórcios e a redução de casamentos legais e religiosos. Diante dessas transformações a Igreja Católica, que defende a indissolubilidade do matrimônio, junto com casais em segunda união procura apoiar a constituição da Pastoral de Casais em Segunda União. Este trabalho tem como objetivo examinar a organização familiar de casais católicos vivendo em segunda união e que participam da Pastoral, para investigar como se deu a primeira união, as causas que levaram a sua ruptura e a uma nova união e as motivações desses casais em continuarem a integrar a comunidade católica. Os participantes da pesquisa são dez casais católicos em segunda união, na faixa etária entre 30 e 50 anos, residentes nas cidades de Aguaí, Mococa, Mogi Guaçu, São João da Boa Vista e São José do Rio Pardo, no estado de São Paulo, todas sob jurisdição religiosa da Diocese de São João da Boa Vista. A coleta de dados foi feita através de entrevistas gravadas separadamente com cada um dos integrantes dos casais, transcritas na íntegra e orientadas por um roteiro semi-estruturado. A análise dos dados indica que os principais motivos da separação estão associados ao alcoolismo, à infidelidade conjugal e ao desgaste da dimensão amorosa. O que mais gera preocupação nos sujeitos ao se separarem são as possíveis conseqüências que os filhos poderão sofrer. A segunda união é contraída com a expectativa de formar uma nova família, ter um(a) companheiro(a) e um relacionamento estável. No entanto, lamentam as privações impostas pela Igreja aos casais em segunda união, principalmente o fato de não poderem receber a comunhão sacramental. A participação na Pastoral de Casais em Segunda União favorece a integração e convivência social e religiosa dos casais na Igreja e fora dela e ainda possibilita a superação do sentimento de discriminação que sentiam. A Pastoral possibilita ainda maior conscientização da hierarquia e dos membros dessa instituição sobre o significado do acolhimento e dos direitos desses casais. / ABSTRACT PORRECA, W. Step Families: Catholic Couples on Second Union, 2004. 124f. Master’s Degree Dissertation – Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP)/Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 2004. The familial institution has been going through several changes, including the increase of separations and divorces, and the reduction in the number of legal and religious matrimonies. Facing these transformations the Catholic Church, which defends the indissolubility of matrimony, along with couples that live on a second marital union intends to support the creation of the Pastoral Institution for Couples on Second Marital Union. The present work aims to analyze the familial organization of Catholic couples living a second union and taking part in the Pastoral Institution, to investigate the way through which union occurred, the marital separation, the second marital union and these couples´ motivations to continue being part of the Catholic community. The participants of the research were ten Catholic couples, in which partners live on a second union, with an age range between 30 and 50 years old, living in the cities of Aguaí, Mococa, Mogi Guaçu, São João da Boa Vista e São José do Rio Pardo, in the state of São Paulo, all of which under the religious jurisdiction of the Diocese of São João da Boa Vista. The data gathering was done through interviews that were recorded separately with each of the partners of the couple, transcribed in their entirety and guided by a script. The analysis of the data indicates that the main reasons for couple separation are connected to alcoholism, marital infidelity and the weariness of the affection dimension. The fact that most worries people who are about to be separate are the possible consequences that their children might suffer. The intention of the second marital union is based on the expectancy of constituting a new family, for companion and for a solid relationship. However, they feel sorry for the privations that are imposed by the Church to the couples who live on a second marital union, especially the fact that they cannot receive the Holy Communion. Taking part in the Pastoral Institution for Couples on Second Marital Union favors the interaction and social and religious conviviality of the couples in the Church and out of it and also allows them to overcome the discrimination they used to feel. The Pastoral Institution also allows the members of the Catholic church to have greater awareness about the meaning of welcoming these couples and also about their rights.

RESUMO PORRECA, W. Famílias Recompostas: Casais Católicos em Segunda União. 2004. 124f. Dissertação de Mestrado – Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP)/ Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 2004. A instituição familiar está passando por mudanças diversas, dentre as quais se inclui o aumento de separações e divórcios e a redução de casamentos legais e religiosos. Diante dessas transformações a Igreja Católica, que defende a indissolubilidade do matrimônio, junto com casais em segunda união procura apoiar a constituição da Pastoral de Casais em Segunda União. Este trabalho tem como objetivo examinar a organização familiar de casais católicos vivendo em segunda união e que participam da Pastoral, para investigar como se deu a primeira união, as causas que levaram a sua ruptura e a uma nova união e as motivações desses casais em continuarem a integrar a comunidade católica. Os participantes da pesquisa são dez casais católicos em segunda união, na faixa etária entre 30 e 50 anos, residentes nas cidades de Aguaí, Mococa, Mogi Guaçu, São João da Boa Vista e São José do Rio Pardo, no estado de São Paulo, todas sob jurisdição religiosa da Diocese de São João da Boa Vista. A coleta de dados foi feita através de entrevistas gravadas separadamente com cada um dos integrantes dos casais, transcritas na íntegra e orientadas por um roteiro semi-estruturado. A análise dos dados indica que os principais motivos da separação estão associados ao alcoolismo, à infidelidade conjugal e ao desgaste da dimensão amorosa. O que mais gera preocupação nos sujeitos ao se separarem são as possíveis conseqüências que os filhos poderão sofrer. A segunda união é contraída com a expectativa de formar uma nova família, ter um(a) companheiro(a) e um relacionamento estável. No entanto, lamentam as privações impostas pela Igreja aos casais em segunda união, principalmente o fato de não poderem receber a comunhão sacramental. A participação na Pastoral de Casais em Segunda União favorece a integração e convivência social e religiosa dos casais na Igreja e fora dela e ainda possibilita a superação do sentimento de discriminação que sentiam. A Pastoral possibilita ainda maior conscientização da hierarquia e dos membros dessa instituição sobre o significado do acolhimento e dos direitos desses casais. / ABSTRACT PORRECA, W. Step Families: Catholic Couples on Second Union, 2004. 124f. Master’s Degree Dissertation – Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP)/Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 2004. The familial institution has been going through several changes, including the increase of separations and divorces, and the reduction in the number of legal and religious matrimonies. Facing these transformations the Catholic Church, which defends the indissolubility of matrimony, along with couples that live on a second marital union intends to support the creation of the Pastoral Institution for Couples on Second Marital Union. The present work aims to analyze the familial organization of Catholic couples living a second union and taking part in the Pastoral Institution, to investigate the way through which union occurred, the marital separation, the second marital union and these couples´ motivations to continue being part of the Catholic community. The participants of the research were ten Catholic couples, in which partners live on a second union, with an age range between 30 and 50 years old, living in the cities of Aguaí, Mococa, Mogi Guaçu, São João da Boa Vista e São José do Rio Pardo, in the state of São Paulo, all of which under the religious jurisdiction of the Diocese of São João da Boa Vista. The data gathering was done through interviews that were recorded separately with each of the partners of the couple, transcribed in their entirety and guided by a script. The analysis of the data indicates that the main reasons for couple separation are connected to alcoholism, marital infidelity and the weariness of the affection dimension. The fact that most worries people who are about to be separate are the possible consequences that their children might suffer. The intention of the second marital union is based on the expectancy of constituting a new family, for companion and for a solid relationship. However, they feel sorry for the privations that are imposed by the Church to the couples who live on a second marital union, especially the fact that they cannot receive the Holy Communion. Taking part in the Pastoral Institution for Couples on Second Marital Union favors the interaction and social and religious conviviality of the couples in the Church and out of it and also allows them to overcome the discrimination they used to feel. The Pastoral Institution also allows the members of the Catholic church to have greater awareness about the meaning of welcoming these couples and also about their rights.

Il y a seconde famille dès lors qu’un enfant cohabite quotidiennement ou épisodiquement avec le nouveau couple formé par l’un de ses parents. L’époque contemporaine présente deux tendances antagonistes. Les liens qui se développent dans ces circonstances peuvent être envisagés soit comme nuisibles pour l’enfant non commun soit comme un enrichissement potentiel pour celui-ci. Cette ambivalence questionne les liens juridiques entre l’enfant non commun et la seconde famille Si une résolution positive permet d’apprécier la nature et l’efficacité des liens juridiques (parenté et alliance) entre l’enfant et la seconde famille, sa traduction négative conduit à l’examen des liens factuels (cohabitation et affection). Mais c’est finalement la combinaison de ces différents liens, par une approche temporelle de la seconde famille, qui permet de solliciter les fondements nécessaires à la protection juridique de l’enfant. / There is a second family when a child cohabites daily or occasionally with the new couple formed by one of his parents. The contemporary era presents two conflicting trends. In these circumstances, traditional views see the growing bonds between the second family and the child as harmful to the later. On the contrary, a modern perception considers these bonds as a potential enrichment. These antagonistic perspectives question the potential legal relationship between the child and his second family. A positive approach led to the understanding of the nature and efficiency of the legal ties (kinship and alliance) between the child and the second family. In contrast, a negative approach led to the review of the developing bonds (namely cohabitation and affection). Ultimately, only the combination of these diverse links within a temporal dimension allows the identification of the requisite legal basis for the legal protection of the child.