Stability and change in the experiences of parents, stepparents and adolescents in stepfamilies

This study investigated the stability over time of themes in the experiences ofbiological parents, stepparents and adolescents in stepfamilies. Twelve adolescents, 10 stepparents, and 9 biological parents from 10 stepfamilies thatparticipated in a qualitative study completed follow-up questionnaires that soughtto determine if the themes found in the earlier study were still present in theirstepfamilies four years later. The results indicated areas that remained stableover time and areas of positive change and adjustment. The results also suggested the need for further research about the specific factors that shapeadjustment to stepfamilies