The Clarity and Content of the Stepparent Role

The manner in which the role of the stepparent is de- fined and implemented has been identified as an important determi- nant of how well family members adjust to living in stepfamilies. This article reviews the literature on the'role of the stepparent, focus- ing primarily on two independent aspects of this role: its clarity and its content. After information is presented on these two aspects of the steooarent role, the limited research on how the clarity and contcnt of ih'e stepparent role.relate to the adjustment of stepf&ily members is reviewed. Finallv. some imolicalions for ~rofessionals who work with stepfamilies he provided.