“I'll Take What I Can Get”: Identity Development in the Case of a Stepfather

Abstract

Stepfathers face a number of challenges related to their role, not least of which is their own identity as a father and stepfather. This article examines the development of the stepfather identity in the life of Tom, the 31-year-old stepfather of Gregory. Qualitative interviews were conducted with Tom, Gregory, and Gregory's mother Macie. Analysis is framed using the communication theory of identity (Hecht, 1993). Findings from this instrumental case study (Stake, 1995) demonstrate that even 10 years after meeting his stepson, Tom has not “arrived” at a stepfather identity. The case also highlights the importance of the enacted identity frame (i.e., “fatherly” communication) in defining Tom's identity as a stepfather, which was somewhat different from his identity as a biological father. Findings are discussed in light of research on stepfathers' communication and identity.

Keywords:

• adolescence
• identity
• lifespan development
• stepfathers

Acknowledgments

The author thanks the family involved in this research project for sharing their stories and insights, as well as Michelle Miller-Day for her oversight on this project. This work was supported by a grant from the Children, Youth, and Families Consortium at Penn State University (Michelle Miller-Day, Principal Investigator) and a dissertation award to Jonathan Pettigrew through the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences at Penn State University.

Notes

¹Pseudonyms are used in an effort to protect participants' identities.