When Remarriage and Immigration Coincide

A combined qualitative-quantitative method was used to study twenty immigrant stepfamilies from the former Soviet Union to explore the effects of co-experiencing the transitions of relocation and remarriage simultaneously. Immigrant stepfamilies from the former Soviet Union tended to focus on the present, see themselves as similar to non-stepfamilies, have a parental focal sub-system, and report low levels of satisfaction and functioning. Results are explained in light of the Soviet-Russian culture and in comparison to stepfamilies in others cultures. Directions for further research are suggested.