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This purpose of this research study was to identify key differences that distinguish stepfamilies from intact families with regard to individual members ' perceptions of family environment and family functioning. Additionally, an initial look at how membership in a stepfamily impacts the young children's perceptions of interpersonal family functioning is offered. Thirty stepfamily and 30 intact family dyads (mother and father) completed a demographic questionnaire and The Family Environment Scale, while each child was administered the Children's Version of The Family Environment Scale. Results suggested that biological mothers and young children (8-10 years) in a stepfamily do not perceive themselves any differently than mothers and children of intact families in regard to cohesion, expressiveness, and level of conflict. However, stepfathers, when compared to fathers of intact families, report perceiving less cohesion (i.e., commitment, helpfulness, and support). Furthermore, when individual members ' perceptions within the stepfamily are compared, stepfathers not only reported less cohesion, but also less expressiveness. Stepchildren on the other hand, reported perceiving more conflict than either the biological mother or stepfather. Significant gender differences were also found between stepchildren. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There are several individuals whom I would like to thank for their assistance and support during the development and completion of this dissertation researc