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A normative-resource model of parent-adolescent power dynamics in stepfather families was developed and tested with data from a sample of 87 white middle-class suburban families with at least one adolescent stepchild. Patterns of power relationships are identified for major decisions about the adolescent and everyday decisions in the family. In addition, bivariate analyses identify selected normative or resource variables that are associated with either greater parental or greater adolescent power. Analyses are presented on the basis of responses from mothers, stepfathers, and adolescents. Results are mostly supportive of the normative-resource model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]