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Researching Children’s Adjustment in Stepfamilies: How is it Studied? What Do we Learn?

Author

Listed:
  • Marie-Christine Saint-Jacques

    (Pavillon Charles-De Koninck-Université Laval)

  • Élisabeth Godbout

    (Pavillon Charles-De Koninck-Université Laval)

  • Sylvie Drapeau

    (Pavillon Charles-De Koninck-Université Laval)

  • Toula Kourgiantakis

    (Pavillon Charles-De Koninck-Université Laval)

  • Claudine Parent

    (Pavillon Charles-De Koninck-Université Laval)

Abstract

The probability that children whose parents have separated will become members of a stepfamily has increased considerably in the last decades. This situation has encouraged researchers to document the impact of this family transition on children’s adjustment. The present article examines empirical publications on this subject between 2000 and 2015. Screening and eligibility assessment based on inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded a final sample of 130 studies. The theoretical models used by the authors are described and discussed, with particular attention to how theories are relied upon in this field of research. Second, an examination of the methodology applied allowed us to take a critical look at the way children’s outcomes were examined. The studies’ main results were then analyzed so as to draw up a contemporary portrait of how stepfamily children adjust. Finally, an examination of the studies’ limitations and theoretical foundations points to avenues for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Marie-Christine Saint-Jacques & Élisabeth Godbout & Sylvie Drapeau & Toula Kourgiantakis & Claudine Parent, 2018. "Researching Children’s Adjustment in Stepfamilies: How is it Studied? What Do we Learn?," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 11(6), pages 1831-1865, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:chinre:v:11:y:2018:i:6:d:10.1007_s12187-017-9510-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s12187-017-9510-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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