High divorce and remarriage rates affect parental roles and child development. This research shows half of the ex-spouses share the parental role when the custodial parent is remarried. The quality of the stepfamily environment is explored. Divorced parents must put aside negative emotions in the interest of the child. (VM)

Clinical research shows that children have emotional investments in stepfamilies and are negatively affected by marital conflict, which can actually be greater than between couples without stepchildren. Stepchildren's perceptions of conflict heightens their need for affection. Views of parents and children about conflict do not necessarily…

Children's reactions to divorce are explored by examining the following types of variables: (1) outcome variables such as adjustment to home and school; (2) contextual variables such as socioeconomic status; and (3) psychosocial factors such as attitudes. Most children were found to be well adjusted, especially when they were still involved with…