CFS FINAL Flashcards
blended families
referred to as “stepfamilies”, consist of two adults and their children blending together as one family
stepfamilies and loss
most members suffer loss, either divorce or death
difficulties for children of two households
power struggle dynamic, each house may have different rules
how are stepfamily dynamics differ
roles, rules, boundaries, and structure of family is different
strength of stepfamilies
more love and security, after adjustment, less trauma
consequences of divorce for spouses
more susceptible to depression
positive effects of divorce for women
often they gain independence and self esteem after divorce, fill roles unfilled previously
consequences of divorce for men
more likely to date and remarry more quickly, more stressed, unhappy, and isolate, some experience great personal growth
financial consequences
women tend to suffer greater consequences, typically have custody, may not receive adequate child support payments
divorce and children
may be more relieved if knew long before rather than abruptly
stages of divorce with children
initial stage, transition stage, restabilization stage
initial stage
from decision to separation to about 1 year, high stress, conflict and unhappiness
transition stage
extremes emotion decreases, process of restructuring life and dealing with social and economic changes, new friends, losing old ones, schedule changes
restablization stage
achieved after about 5 years post separation
developmental tasks for children post parental divorce
acknowledging parental separation, disengaging from parental conflict, resolving everyday contact with both parents, resolving anger & self blame, acceptance
