The Role of Stepfathers in Families Receiving Support from Child Protective Services
Divorce, Separation, and Remarriage: The Transformation of Family
ISBN: 978-1-78635-230-9, eISBN: 978-1-78635-229-3
Publication date: 29 September 2016
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the over-representation of stepfamilies in the clientele receiving protective services, there is still very little information about the different forms of the parental commitment of stepfathers in those families. However, the characteristics of families receiving child protective services (CPS) are likely to influence the way that the stepfathers’ commitment is expressed.
Methodology/approach
Taking into account the viewpoint of mothers (n = 10), stepfathers (n = 10), and adolescents (n = 10), this study attempted to document, using the free association method and semistructured interviews, the following: (1) the representations that the members of these stepfamilies had of the stepfathers’ parental commitment; and (2) the way in which engagement was expressed in daily life.
Findings
While the participants agreed that the stepfather had a parental role to play, that is to take care of the children, they did not necessarily agree about which dimensions were the most important. Whereas the adults emphasized the child-rearing dimension of this role and the necessary cooperation with the biological parents, the adolescents insisted on the relational aspect. The results likewise indicated that these men were very committed to their partners’ adolescents and showed that even in families challenged by problems that lead to involvement with CPS, stepfathers can play a positive, supportive role.
Originality/value
This study represents an important addition to the existing literature on the role of stepfathers in that it uses multiple measures and direct reports from father figures allowing us to explore the main dimensions of stepfather commitment.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgment
This research was supported by grants from the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture (FRQSC).
Citation
Parent, C., Robitaille, C., Fortin, M.-C. and Avril, A. (2016), "The Role of Stepfathers in Families Receiving Support from Child Protective Services", Divorce, Separation, and Remarriage: The Transformation of Family (Contemporary Perspectives in Family Research, Vol. 10), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 131-159. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1530-353520160000010006
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016 Emerald Group Publishing Limited