A Task-Centered Preventive Group Approach to Create Cohesion in the New Stepfamily: A Preliminary Evaluation

Abstract

This exploratory study attempted to provide newly formed stepfamilies the tools with which to build a cohesive stepfamily environment by engaging the parents in a task-centered group. Fifteen middle-class couples committed to remarriage were self-referred from a suburban setting. A preliminary investigation showed that the intervention created significant improvement in distress, social support, and coping skills. Results suggest that using preventive groups may be an important component of social work practice with stepfamilies. The article also discusses the need for psychometrically sound stepfamily assessment methods.