Conflict engagement and management among stepsiblings
The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore how stepsiblings engage, manage, and resolve conflicts. The processes that facilitate or impede conflict management among stepsiblings were explored. The 25 stepchildren in the sample had 71 stepsiblings, but they did not experience conflicts with all of them. Three conditions necessary for conflict to occur were: (1) opportunity (i.e., shared time, shared space, ability to interact), (2) intimacy (i.e., perceived closeness between stepsiblings, close friendship or familiarity), and (3) similarity (i.e., age, gender, or role in family). Sources of conflict included: (1) behaviors of a stepsibling, (2) violations of territory (e.g., bedrooms), (3) differential treatment by step/parents, and (4) disputes over resources. Stepsiblings used more than one conflict management strategy if the source of conflict was deemed important or if the relationship had developed to a level of intimacy in which they felt they could engage in more direct strategies. Strategies used to manage conflict among stepsiblings included both intrapersonal and interpersonal processes.
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations