Screening Test for Stepparents

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

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For Each Subscale Score:

• 6–13: Severe Strain 

• 14–22: Moderate Strain 

• 23–30: Low Strain 

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Subscale Scores

1. Communication & Co‐Parenting
 

6–13: Severe Strain – You may feel distant or disconnected from your stepchild, with difficulty forming meaningful conversations or shared moments.

14–22: Moderate Strain – Some positive communication exists, but consistent bonding or emotional closeness may still be lacking.

23–30: Low Strain – You and your stepchild likely share a warm and communicative relationship, with frequent engagement and emotional connection.
 

2. Integration & Sense of Belonging
 

6–13: Severe Strain – You may feel like an outsider in the household, uncertain about your role, or experience tension surrounding your involvement.

14–22: Moderate Strain – You may be partially integrated but still experience moments of exclusion or doubt about your place in the family.

23–30: Low Strain – You likely feel welcomed and valued, with a strong sense of inclusion and family connection.

3. Co-Parenting & Collaboration with Biological Parent
 

6–13: Severe Strain – Co-parenting may feel fragmented, with frequent disagreements or unclear expectations about your role and influence.

14–22: Moderate Strain – There may be mixed cooperation, with some alignment on parenting but ongoing challenges in communication or shared decision-making.

23–30: Low Strain – You and the biological parent likely work as a united front, with open dialogue and mutual respect regarding parenting decisions.

4. Conflict Management & Support
 

6–13: Severe Strain – Conflict may feel emotionally intense or isolating, with frequent unresolved issues and limited support from your partner.

14–22: Moderate Strain – You may navigate some conflicts productively, but unresolved tension or lack of mutual support may still be affecting your sense of partnership.

23–30: Low Strain – You and your partner likely manage conflict constructively, with mutual support, calm communication, and a shared commitment to resolution.

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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.