Social Adjustment of Adolescents Living with Stepparent Families in Pakistan

Abstract: This study focused on the crucial role of family in adolescents' adjustment in stepfamilies in Pakistan. The family, as the primary social institution, plays a central role in socialization and training, contributing to the social, personal, and academic adjustment of adolescents within both the family and society. The main objective of this study was to examine the challenges adolescents face when living in a stepfamily setup after a parental marital transition due to the death or divorce of one biological parent. Adolescents in stepparent families encounter multiple challenges that impact their social adjustment and personal lives, which may also impact their academic performance. Two key objectives were investigated: parental capital and parenting practices, and their influence on adolescents' adjustment in stepfamilies. The qualitative research conducted in this study was based on interviews with adolescents aged 13 to 19 years attending college. Data collected was analyzed using NVIVO software, and thematic analysis was conducted. The findings highlight the essential role of parental capital and parenting practices in the social adjustment of adolescents in stepparent families. This study recommends practical measures for the government to establish coaching and counselling centers to support adolescents, promote their wellbeing, and enhance their adjustment in their personal, family, social, and educational lives.

Keywords: adolescents, academic life, parental capital, parental practices, social adjustment