1. Objectifs

Intentions :
« The following is a brief summary of the major research and clinical case study findings concerning the relations and interactions between custodial mothers and children and children’s reactions to living in stepfamilies. » (p. 90)

2. Méthode

Type de traitement des données :
Réflexion critique

3. Résumé

« Increasing numbers of children are living in stepfamilies. The majority of such children are living with their biological mothers and a stepfather. When compared to children from nondivorced families they are overrepresented amongst the numbers of children manifesting social, emotional and behavior problems. Many of the children report themselves to feel less affection and warmth for their mothers than do children from nondivorced families. The author briefly summarizes the major findings concerning mother-child relations in stepfather families. She concludes that although logic would dictate that a solid positive relationship between mother and child might buffer the child against the possible negative effects of a series of important changes in the child’s life, this essential factor has rarely been addressed. She argues for the need to conduct more research on mother-child relations and interactions in order to integrate the findings with other data concerning stepfamilies. This would lead to a better understanding of stepfamily functioning and its relation to positive and negative outcomes for children in remarried families. » (p. 89)