Role-Governed Behaviors of Stepfathers in Families With a Child With Chronic Illness

This article reviews the roles of stepfathers caring for children with a chronic illness and identifies systematic cultural and institutional factors that may interfere with family processes and the stepfather's ability to cope with the situation. There has been no previous systematic research on this participant. The intersection of the role theory and the uncertainty in illness theory provides insights on the stepfather's role in caring for children with a chronic illness. Such an examination is required so that effective supportive interventions can be developed for the whole family. The conclusion calls for further research into the experiences of stepfathers and interventions for stepfathers to fulfill the promise of family-centered care.