In this grounded theory study, we examined the processes through which 25 young adult stepchildren developed relationships with 71 stepsiblings. We also examined the interpersonal and familial contexts within which stepsibling relationships were formed. We identified six distinct types of stepsibling connections: (a) strangers, (b) distant acquaintances, (c) rivals, (d) ambivalent friends or frenemies, (e) friends, and (f) siblings. These relationship types varied in emotional closeness and quality and were qualitatively different in how they developed and were maintained. These stepsibling types also differed in their interpersonal contexts, particularly in interactions and relationships with parents and stepparents.

Objective: This research explores how, and under what conditions, stepsiblings engage in, manage, and resolve conflict. Background: Interpersonal conflict is widely recognized as a meaningful and consequential relational dynamic. Although stepfamily conflict has been studied in a variety of family contexts (e.g., spousal, parent-child, stepparentstepchild), conflict among stepsiblings has received scant attention. The growing prevalence of stepsiblings, coupled with the role of conflict in shaping family dynamics, warrants greater attention be paid to stepsibling conflict. Method: Twenty-five adults were interviewed about their relationships with 71 stepsiblings. Grounded theory procedures were used. Results: For conflict between stepsiblings to occur, three conditions had to be in place: (a) opportunity (i.e., shared time, shared space), (b) intimacy (i.e., perceived closeness between stepsiblings or familiarity), and (c) similarity (i.e., age, gender, or role). Sources of conflict included (a) stepsibling behaviors, (b) territory violations (e.g., bedrooms), and (c) differential treatment by stepparents/parents. Conflict management included both intrapersonal and interpersonal strategies. Conclusion:Stepsibling conflict should be normalized as an indication of relational closeness, trust, and security. Implications: Stepsibling conflicts may help them develop closer bonds. Parents should make space for children, maintain bonds with children, promote stepsibling ties, monitor stepsibling conflicts, and consider children's perspectives.

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The difficulties of caring for a family member with advanced cancer are well documented. Support from a caregiver’s social network—especially other family—is vital to reducing caregiver burden and psychological distress. However, the family environment is not always supportive as reports of family conflict and dissatisfaction with support are common. Despite knowing that family relationships are complex, little is known about the types of family stress that caregivers of advanced cancer patients face in their daily lives. To address this gap, researchers applied concepts from the double ABCX model to conduct a reflexive thematic analysis of interviews with 63 caregivers of cancer patients receiving outpatient palliative care. Four themes of family stress were identified: failed support, relational tensions, denial, and additional care work. Findings inform clinical assessment and caregiver intervention development by revealing the importance of measuring the mundane machinations of family life for caregivers of adult cancer patients.

“Gray divorce,” or divorce which occurs in later life, is rapidly becoming more common in the United States. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to examine the lived experience of getting divorced in mid to later life. Data address the following research questions: 1) What are the divorcees’ expectations for the process of divorce and post-divorce life? 2) How do life phase factors and family relationships shape the divorce experience? Participants included 41 heterosexual men and women who legally divorced at the age of 55 or older and between 1-7 years from the time of the interview. Participants divorced from first and higher order marital unions. They included self-identified initiators, non-initiators, and co-initiators of the divorce. Results suggest that gray divorce is a complex experience marked by shifting feelings of ambivalence and certainty that are influenced by such factors as health and social networks, especially family.