Selected Contexts of Family Relations in the Perception of Children Raised in Reconstructed Family Systems Based on the Family Relationship Test Survey
Abstract
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: In this article, we focused our attention on children’s perception of the image of complex family systems such as patchwork families.
THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The research problem represents selected aspects of family relationships from the perspective of children belonging to patchwork families. The study was conducted using a qualitative research strategy. The Family Relationship Test was applied and in-depth interviews were conducted with adult members of reconstructed families.
THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The crisis within marital relationships is causing an increase in alternative forms of family life. Reconstructed families, also referred to as patchwork families, are becoming more common. They are formed by a couple of adults, at least one or both of whom have children from previous relationships. This complex family structure also includes the biological parents of the children, who remain outside the core system on a daily basis. Creating a new family is a demanding task.
RESEARCH RESULTS: The reconstructed families studied, no matter how well they managed the process of family integration, faced various challenges, including: reconstructing the external and internal boundaries of their families, creating a new family hierarchy, establishing the parental roles of foster parents, dealing with conflicts of loyalty. These processes are shown from the perspective of children belonging to reconstructed family systems.
CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND APPLICABLE VALUE OF RESEARCH: Thanks to a study conducted using the Family Relationship Test, we were able to determine the forms of family relationships and affective relations prevailing in the patchwork families studied, as perceived by the children raised in these systems. The results of our analysis may serve as an inspiration for other researchers to explore this area further and for practitioners as a guide in the formation of optimal affective relationships in reconstructed families.
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