Teens living in blended families with half- or step-siblings have lower grades and more behavioral problems such as trouble paying attention, getting along with peers, and completing homework. However, if the teen's family had both half- and step-siblings, then the teen's risks decreased.

The risk was significant, but not great. For example, boys in blended families had GPAs one-quarter point lower compared to boys in families with only full siblings.

This study was done at Florida State University and involved analysis of data about more than 11,000 adolescents in grades 7 through 12. It appears in the journal Social Science Research.

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Labels: school, blended_families, behaviors

Posted By: Aspen Education Group