Stepfamily Relationships Development, Dynamics And Intervention

This volume focuses on a wide range of behaviors and outcomes in stepfamily relationships, both positive and negative. The authors use the normative-adaptive perspective to seek out and study adaptive, well-functioning stepfamilies and find how they differ from those who struggle to cope. It will be a welcome text and reference for all those who study and work with stepfamilies and families in general.

This resource for those studying and working with families examines the variety of relationships among members of stepfamilies. Using a normative-adaptive perspective, the authors (both: U. of Missouri, Columbia) explore such topics as the cultural underpinnings of stepfamily relationships, couple dynamics in stepfamilies, and the effects of stepfamily living on children. The diversity and complexity of families is emphasized throughout, with coverage including gay and lesbian stepfamilies, stepfamilies of varying racial and ethnic backgrounds, and stepfamilies across the lifecourse. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Lawrence H. Ganong, Ph.D. is a professor of Nursing and Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Missouri (MU) Sinclair School of Nursing. A noted authority on post divorce families, Ganong's research has included intergenerational family obligations, post-divorce family dynamics and social cognitions related to family life. Ganong is a member of the National Council on Family Relations Board of Directors, and has conducted workshops for stepfamily members and for professionals working with stepfamilies. He is the co-editor of numerous articles, books, and book chapters on post-divorce family relationships and step families.