Notes two cross-cultural and transhistorical myths associated with stepmotherhood: the evil stepmother myth and the myth of instant love. Asserts that the tenacity of these myths has served to stigmatize stepmothers. Describes myths associated with stepmothers, details how these myths affect stepmother life, reveals dilemmas in identity management…

When socioeconomically and educationally disadvantaged late adolescent women project themselves into the future, they see themselves as mothers. This creates direct transition from daughter role to mother role, excluding spouse or career roles, and distinguishes these women from other female adolescents. Discusses possible explanations and…

The frequency of divorce in America has resulted in an estimated 11,000,000 minor children living in single-parent homes, usually with mothers as heads of households. Psychological disruption observed in children of recently divorced parents may be, in part, related to the quality of the custodial mother's adjustment to her changed life…