6533b851fe1ef96bd12a996c
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Stepmothers’ constructions and negotiations of belonging
Minna Murtorinne-lahtinenKimmo Jokinensubject
äitipuoletmedia_common.quotation_subject05 social sciencesSymbolic interactionismSocial relationSense of belongingNegotiationnarrative approachperhesuhteetnarratiivinen tutkimus050902 family studies0501 psychology and cognitive sciencesNarrativeuusperheet0509 other social sciencesbelongingPsychologyConstruct (philosophy)Social psychologySocial Sciences (miscellaneous)Intersubjectivity050104 developmental & child psychologyDyadmedia_commondescription
Applying a narrative approach and symbolic interactionist frame of reference, this study examines how Finnish stepmothers in their written narratives construct and negotiate their belonging. Belonging is a relevant concept in this study since it focuses on social interaction and intersubjectivity, and their emotional content. Three types of belonging were identified: (a) restricted belonging, (b) dyadic stepmother–stepchild belonging and (c) the spousal relationship as a focal dyad of belonging. Attainment of belonging may be especially challenging for stepmothers owing to their dependence on the willingness of the biological mother and father to share the emotional dimension of the parent–child dyad. If stepmothers fail to achieve any aspect of belonging, they are vulnerable to depression. This, in turn, indicates a need for clinical intervention. In sum, the results point to the key role of the spouses in enhancing stepmothers’ sense of belonging. peerReviewed
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-04-18 | Journal of Family Studies |