Adolescents in Stepfamilies: An Attachment-Based Approach to Therapy

Abstract

With increasing numbers of stepfamilies, there is a growing need for evidence-based, informed therapeutic treatment. Stepfamilies experience unique challenges, such as grief, depression, adjustment difficulties, and increased family/parental conflict (Jensen et al. Family Process 57:477–495, 2018). Adolescents in stepfamilies have the greatest difficulty adjusting, resulting in attachment-related consequences which can be detrimental to their academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being, such as depression, loyalty conflicts and low academic performance (Jensen et al. Family Process 57:477–495, 2018; Papernow Family Process 57:25–51, 2018). Family therapy can provide an avenue for processing and adapting to the changes that arise in the process of transitioning into stepfamilies for all members of the family, especially adolescents. This article reviews current research on stepfamilies and recommends Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT) as a model from which family therapists may draw as they approach treatment of stepfamilies. With a focus on the attachment between family members, especially between adolescents and their parents, ABFT addresses the underlying damages that occur during the many changes in family dynamics and provides a clear avenue to repairing parent-child attachment.