Description
This study applies Relational Dialectic Theory to analyze the stepparent and stepchild relationship of one family. The data is documented in an autoethnography. Autoethnography is an approach to data collection in which the researcher’s own experience is the source of data, and the experience is studied to deepen understandings of social reality. This study highlights the complexity of the stepparent-stepchild relationship, the uncertainty surrounding the stepparent role, and identifies the dialectic tensions that exist within the stepparent-stepchild relationship. The dialectics identified by this study include: emotional-closeness-distance, past-present, autonomy connection, and parent-friend. The findings related to how these dialectic tensions emerge and are managed within stepparent-stepchild relationships have implications for stepparents and spouses of stepparents and for new parents and parents in traditional family structures.
Details
Title
- Relational dialectics in stepparent and stepchild relationships
Contributors
- Roush, Krysti (Author)
- Mean, Lindsay A (Thesis advisor)
- Gaffney, Cynthia (Committee member)
- Waldron, Vincent (Committee member)
- Arizona State University (Publisher)
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
2015
Subjects
Resource Type
Collections this item is in
Note
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thesisPartial requirement for: M.A., Arizona State University, 2015
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bibliographyIncludes bibliographical references (pages 117-120)
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Field of study: Communication studies
Citation and reuse
Statement of Responsibility
by Krysti Roush