Divorce and Remarriage.

A review and synthesis of the literature and current events reveal that we are living in an age of divorce and remarriage. Stepfamilies and step relationships are a recurring entity in American society. Furthermore, record numbers of individuals are involved in complex step relationships for which they are often unprepared and ineffectively coping. Society's tendency to place a premium on the nuclear family creates aspecial burden for the stepfamily and the relationships therein. Awkward descriptive problems, confused kinship patterns, and conflicting roles and allegiances tend to contribute to a feeling of deviancy among members of stepfamilies which, in turn, complicates adjustment and interpersonal relationships. Remarriage generally creates confusion and anxiety among all members of a stepfamily but is especially stressful for the adolescent and the stepmother. This article reveals some of the current trends, practices, and problems of remarriage. The impact of these social patterns on members of a stepfamily will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]