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Screening Test for Biological Parents

We know that being a biological parent in a blended family comes with unique challenges.

This screening tool is designed to help you better understand your family dynamics and where support may be helpful.

Clinical Information

Blended Family-Biological Parent-Synergy & Collaboration Inventory (BF-BioParent-SCI‐24)

[Click to take the assessment]
 

Approximate time: 5–7 minutes to respond to 24 questions.
 

This self-assessment is designed specifically for biological parents navigating the complex dynamics of blended families. It helps identify key areas of strain or strength in your relationship with your partner and within the family system.
 

It explores four key areas:

  • Communication & Co‐Parenting

  • Emotional Support & Understanding

  • Role Clarity & Boundaries

  • Family Cohesion
     

Understanding Your Scores:
 
For Your Total Score:

Add the scores from all 24 items to get a total ranging from 24–120.

  • Higher total scores indicate greater synergy, alignment, and relational health within the blended family.

  • Lower scores reflect more significant strain, misalignment, or distress.

General guidelines (not rigid cut-offs):
 
  • 24–55: Severe Blended Family Strain

  • 56–79: Moderate Blended Family Strain

  • 80–120: Low or No Blended Family Strain
     

For Subscale Scores:


Each subscale range: 6–30.

  • Higher subscale scores indicate stronger functioning and more alignment in that area.

  • Lower scores may highlight areas of tension, role confusion, or emotional disconnect.

1. Communication & Co‐Parenting (6–30)
 

6–13: Severe Strain – You may be struggling to communicate effectively with your partner about parenting decisions, rules, or schedules, which can lead to conflict, confusion, or a lack of co-parenting unity.

14–22: Moderate Strain – Communication may be inconsistent or partially effective; while there may be cooperation in some areas, challenges still arise around parenting coordination or expressing concerns.

23–30: Low Strain – You and your partner likely communicate openly and consistently, with a strong sense of alignment and mutual respect in your co-parenting approach.

 


2. Emotional Support & Understanding (6–30)
 

6–13: Severe Strain – You may feel emotionally unsupported or alone in your parenting role, with limited validation, empathy, or appreciation from your partner.

14–22: Moderate Strain – There may be some emotional connection, but support may feel inconsistent or insufficient when you're under stress or facing parenting challenges.

23–30: Low Strain – Your partner likely offers consistent emotional support, empathy, and acknowledgment of your parenting efforts, helping you feel seen and valued.


3. Role Clarity & Boundaries (6–30)
 

6–13: Severe Strain – You may feel unclear or uncertain about your role in the family, with blurred boundaries or authority struggles that undermine your confidence as a parent.

14–22: Moderate Strain – You may experience occasional role confusion or uncertainty around discipline and expectations, though some structure is in place.

23–30: Low Strain – Roles and boundaries are likely well defined, with a clear understanding of expectations and confidence in your parenting role.


4. Family Cohesion (6–30)
 

6–13: Severe Strain – You may feel emotionally disconnected from the family unit, with frequent tension or conflict that disrupts a sense of unity and belonging.

14–22: Moderate Strain – There may be a mix of connection and disconnection—some moments of bonding alongside stress or conflict that affects overall family cohesion.

23–30: Low Strain – Your family likely enjoys a strong sense of togetherness, with shared positive experiences, teamwork, and mutual inclusion.

*Disclaimer:

This questionnaire is designed to offer helpful insights and promote self-reflection. It can be a useful starting point for understanding common patterns and challenges in blended-family dynamics. Many individuals find it valuable for exploring their experiences and opening up meaningful conversations, whether with a partner, therapist, or coach.
 

That said, this tool is still in development and has not been validated through formal scientific research. While the questions are grounded in commonly reported themes, the questionnaire’s reliability and accuracy have not been formally established. It should not be used as a diagnostic tool or a substitute for professional evaluation. For personalized guidance, we encourage you to consult with one of our clinicians.
 

© Blended Family Therapy Center, part of the New Path Family of Therapy Centers Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this questionnaire may be reproduced, redistributed, or otherwise used without explicit written permission from the Blended Family Therapy Center.

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