Processes, relationships, and generativity in stepfamilies: contributions of an exploratory systematic review

Abstract

This article presents an exploratory systematic review of stepfamilies in the academic literature. With a broad and comprehensive approach, its objective was to identify the main thematic axes and underexplored areas to guide future research. Methodologically, the PRISMA 2020 statement was used, 52 documents were analyzed between research results and theoretical reflection that met the inclusion criteria. The results highlight family processes and relationships as the central axis of the analysis, showing that the literature has tended to focus on their challenges, changes, and relational dynamics. We conclude the need to make visible their strengths and opportunities from an appreciative perspective, which allows a more comprehensive analysis of their dynamics and recognizes the generativity that these families build.