ABSTRACT
Adolescents within a stepfamily would seem to create a unique situation where both of the transition issues might compound, causing even greater challenges to family and individual functioning. This chapter provides a basis for understanding the adolescent in the stepfamily. It provides the foundation for a more in-depth understanding about stepfamilies in the context of North American society. The chapter considers demographic information about stepfamilies and shows how a stepfamily differs from a traditional nuclear family. It outlines some historical connotations typically associated with the step-family and how this may affect stepfamilies today. The chapter suggests how to conceptualize the special nature of stepfamily functioning. It explores the risk for abuse of adolescents in both stepfamilies and traditional nuclear families. The chapter offers some conclusions about differences between adolescents in stepfamilies and traditional nuclear families.
