Abstract
The definition of “family” has taken on multiple meanings in the larger social context in recent years. This qualitative study of 36 divorced nonresidential parents explores how their definition and meaning of family is affected post-divorce. Systems-level influences and past and present individual experiences appear to shape nonresidential parents' definition of family. A dialectical tension over the definition of family and boundaries surrounding family is created for nonresidential parents leaving some to question traditional definitions as they are faced with the reality of their current family configuration.
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