The Adjustment of Children in Stepfamilies: Lessons from Community Studies

Evidence from community studies on the adjustment of children in stepfamilies is described. The diversity of stepfamilies, and the importance of taking account of this diversity are stressed. Children in stepfamilies are on average more likely to have adjustment problems, but average differences are small and individual differences are great. Key risks for children's outcome include family conflict, parental mental health, economic and social stress, multiple family transitions, and parental life-course patterns; much of the impact on children is mediated through parent-child relationships, and the links between family relationships. The importance of taking account of children's perspectives on their family lives, and of biological relatedness rather than family type, are highlighted.