ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we explore how the interpersonal processes of divorce and remarriage affect parenting and stepparenting and how these roles have been examined by social and behavioral scientists. We first discuss historical considerations that have shaped the cultural context of divorced parenting and remarried and stepparenting over time. Next, we outline central issues faced by divorced and remarried parents and stepparents, followed by a discussion of the theoretical frameworks that have been used to investigate these challenges, including stress-related theories, coparenting theories, and selection models. Subsequently, in a summary of classical and modern research in divorced and remarried parenting, we identify four general eras in the development of scholarly research on postdivorce families and stepfamilies: (1) the social problem/social address phase, (2) the growing recognition phase, (3) a decade of progress, and (4) the New Millennium. We then highlight efforts at state and local levels to implement intervention programs for divorced and remarried parents, drawing particularly attention to divorce mediation efforts and stepfamily education programs. Finally, we propose key areas for future direction in the study of divorced and remarried parenting, including qualitative approaches and theory development, research on process and structure, and greater attention to underexamined parents. To achieve a comprehensive understanding of the key issues surrounding divorced and remarried parenting, it is necessary to first turn our attention toward understanding how the context of divorced and parenting has changed over time.
