title: A stepfamily in formation.
abstract: The increasing incidence of stepparenthood requires that mental health clinicians develop skills for helping members of two families form a viable new family unit. This paper conceptualizes stages in the development of the reconstituted family. Case material describes a scapegoated child as the focus of conflict in one family's progression through these stages.
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002667:Child Reactive Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D004243:Divorce; D005190:Family; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D012539:Scapegoating