ABSTRACT
Themerging of individuals from prior families is a complex process, and stepfamily development and maintenance present many communication challenges to parents, stepparents, and stepchildren. In this chapter we review research on communication processes among the adults in stepfamilies (former partners, current partners, etc.) and among adults and children (parent-child, stepparent-stepchild communication). We do not limit the focus of this review to intrahousehold communication-stepfamily members often reside in two or more households. We also examine stepfamily communication across the life course. Gaps in the body of knowledge regarding stepfamily communication are identified and suggestions for future research are offered.
