Yours, mine and ours : a study about the stories of a blended family

Abstract

This study explored the transitions which were lived by all family members post-separation. It aimed to understand the interactions, patterns, relational and reciprocal arrangements present within the system that have enabled or hindered the blend and negotiation processes across time. A voice was given to the stories of the different members in a blended family. A case study design with narrative analysis was used. Participants included a new marital couple, an ex-partner and two children. Findings show that blended families are unique thus they may adapt differently. This blended family had many struggles including role ambiguity, boundary confusion, and split loyalties, however, they found ways to grow and strive. All members struggled to openly share their experiences with others due to the stigma and lack of knowledge found in Maltese culture. Recommendations about practices and interventions whereby practitioners and policy makers can adopt to support blended families are also brought forward.