Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Department

Social Work

Program Name/Specialization

Studies in Social Work Practice

Faculty/School

Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work

First Advisor

Dr. Magnus Mfoafo-M'Carthy

Advisor Role

Dissertation Supervisor

Abstract

Abstract

Blended family adjustment is a common experience for many children and adolescents, given the commonality of blended families in our current times (Arat & Poortman, 2023; Ganong et al., 2020; George & Fernandez, 2014). The 2021 Canadian Census data showed that there were more than 500,000 blended families in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2022). Stepchildren in blended families, specifically adolescents, are members of the blended family most adversely impacted by blended family formation (Papernow, 2013; 2018). Despite the volume of valuable empirical literature on blended families and stepchildren (Ganong and Coleman, 2017; Hoffmann, 2002, 2006; Jeynes, 2007; Tillman, 2007; van Eeden-Moorefield & Pasley, 2013), there remains a gap in the literature that directly explores adolescent stepchildren’s experiences of blended families. To address this gap, this qualitative study sought to explore the lived experiences of young adults about their experiences of blended families and the phenomenon of adjusting to blended family life during this developmental milestone. Young adults were also asked to convey what might have hindered or assisted them in this process.

Using descriptive phenomenology, this study explored adult stepchildren’s experience of blended family adjustment during adolescence (12 to 17 years old) while residing in Canada to gain insight into the nuances of blended family adjustment experience and considerations that might facilitate or impede adjustment to blended family life according to them. Using a Hesserlian descriptive phenomenological paradigm and Colaizzi’s method of phenomenological data analysis, eight participants’ interviews were transcribed, coded and analyzed. The in-depth interviews yielded four major themes: emotional responses to blended family formation, intricacies of blended family relationships, effectively navigating changes, and strengths and challenges stemming from blended family life. A textural description emerged that captured the phenomena of blended family adjustment during adolescence for stepchildren. The structural description of blended family adjustment for stepchildren was experiences through realization, rearrangement, reestablishment, rewards and retributions. Furthermore, the textural and structural descriptions were integrated to create the essence of blended family adjustment for adolescent stepchildren. The findings' implications for social work and other helping practitioners are also discussed. Future research is offered to build on the experiences of adolescents’ voices.

Convocation Year

2024

Convocation Season

Fall

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