Date

4-18-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Jason Ward

Keywords

blended families, Bowen, divorce, family systems theory, mosaic, stepfamily, Mosaic, BFST, MFST

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

Marriages are supposed to be for a lifetime, but there is a gap in the research as to what is causing a high divorce rate in blended families. There is a research gap considering why divorce percentage rates are higher and more predictable than those of the first marriage. The causes of second divorces within blended families remain largely unexplored in the current reviewed literature; however, relationship studies are more prevalent on the specific roles, such as those of bio- and stepparents within the family. By revealing the research gap, researchers in the field of mental health can understand the mystery of why blended families have such a high rate of failure by examining the challenges that second-divorced adults encounter in these families. Mental health professionals, lawmakers, and those impacted by these challenges will gain knowledge on how to support blended families proactively. The study explored the phenomenon of high divorce rates among blended families by interviewing eleven divorced participants. Family systems theory, instituted by Bowen, is a framework that will be used to frame the unique experiences of the participating adults in a second marriage. The research explores the lived experiences and perceptions of spousal adults who have experienced a blended family divorce regarding the influences of their divorce. The research holds relevance for clinicians and family advocates who support blended families within the community, as it may be useful in their work with this population.

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