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Stepfamilies face a series of unique opportunities and challenges in their development. This article provides an overview of an emotionally focused family intervention for stepfamilies. Common stepfamily concerns are considered using attachment theory as a relational framework for conceptualizing the impact of structural change and loss on stepfamily adjustment. Problem patterns are understood in the context of an emerging family system where bids for connection may be missed or misinterpreted. Application of the emotionally focused approach demonstrates the role of attachment security in changing patterns of interaction that promote stability in the developing stepfamily system. A case study is presented that illustrates the approach's conceptualization and treatment of a prototypical stepfamily issue.
As a common family form stepfamilies represent a unique and complex family system that is distinct in its composition, structure, and development. Ahrons and Rodgers (1987) coined the phrase "Binuclear Family" to capture the extent to which these families represent a combination of family households who must work together. As such these families possess unique resources and face distinct challenges as they navigate their development as a complex family system (Papernow, 1993). By some estimates a majority of stepfamilies will seek help within the first four years of remarriage (Pasley, Rhoden, Visher, & Visher, 1996) and these families need treatment approaches that are sensitive to their particular challenges and strengths (Michaels, 2000; Pasley, Dollahite, & Ihinger-Tallman, 1993; Visher & Visher, 1996). This article provides an overview of clinical issues relevant to stepfamilies and the application of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) to the treatment of stepfamilies. Specific focus is given to the role of emotion and attachment as guiding perspectives in restructuring problem patterns, resolving relational loss, and promoting more secure stepfamily bonds.
UNIQUE NEEDS OF STEPFAMILIES AND CLINICAL CHALLENGES
Remarried families appear to face a greater vulnerability at their inception. Stepfamilies in the earliest stages of development face greater risk for dissolution compared to first-time marriages (Kurdek, 1991; O'Conner, Pickering, Dunn, & Golding, 1999). Couples entering marriage with children from a previous relationship encounter increased demands that often result in greater family tension and conflict (Coleman, Fine, Ganong, Downs, & Pauk, 2001; Tzeng & Mare, 1995). A stepfamily's hope for a "second chance" may be challenged in light of heightened negativity,...