top of page

 Screening Test for Stepparents

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

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

Image by Natalya Zaritskaya
What Is the BF-Step-Parent-IRQ‐24?

 

[Click to take the assessment]
 

The Blended Family–Step-Parent–Integration & Resilience Questionnaire (BF-Step-Parent-IRQ‐24) is a 24-question self-assessment designed to explore your experiences as a step-parent within a blended family system.
 

It looks at four key areas that influence step-parenting dynamics: communication and bonding with your stepchild, your sense of integration and belonging, collaboration with your partner, and how conflict and support are handled within the household.
 

Who Is It For?
 

You might consider taking this screener if you:
 

  • Are a step-parent navigating the challenges of blended family life

  • Sometimes feel unsure about your role or where you “fit”

  • Struggle to build connection or manage conflict with your stepchild

  • Feel left out of parenting decisions or unsupported by your partner

  • Want a clearer picture of how your blended family is functioning
     

What You’ll Learn
 

This inventory helps you reflect on both strengths and stress points in your role as a step-parent. It explores:
 

  • Your ability to bond and communicate with your stepchild

  • How included and emotionally connected you feel within the family

  • Co-parenting dynamics between you and your partner

  • How well conflict is handled and whether you feel supported
     

By completing the assessment, you'll gain insight into how resilient and cohesive your blended family feels—and where intentional changes might help things function more smoothly.
 

What the Results Mean
 

Your responses will generate a total score and four subscale scores (Communication & Bonding with Stepchild, Integration & Sense of Belonging, Co-Parenting & Collaboration with the Biological Parent, and Conflict Management & Support).
 

  • High scores generally reflect stronger family integration, emotional connection, and collaborative parenting.

  • Lower scores may suggest strain in your step-parenting role—such as unclear boundaries, conflict with your stepchild, or a lack of partnership support.
     

Each subscale provides a lens into different parts of your experience, helping highlight which areas feel stable—and which may benefit from deeper attention or support.
 

Scoring Guide
 

Total Score: 

  • 24–57: Severe Strain in Step-Parenting Dynamics

  • 58–91: Moderate Strain in Step-Parenting Dynamics

  • 92–120: Low Strain in Step-Parenting Dynamics

​​

For Each Subscale Score:

  • 6–13: Severe Strain 

  • 14–22: Moderate Strain 

  • 23–30: Low Strain 
     

Taking the First Step
 

Step-parenting can bring deep rewards, but it also comes with unique emotional and relational challenges.
 

This screener is designed to give you greater clarity and language for what you’re experiencing. Whether you're feeling stuck, supported, or somewhere in between—you're not alone, and meaningful support is available.
 

Need Support?
 

If this questionnaire surfaces areas of concern or confirms challenges you've been navigating, therapy can help. We offer specialized support for blended families—including sessions for step-parents, individual therapy, or whole-family work.

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. 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.

bottom of page