Increasing numbers of children are living in stepfami- lies. The majority of such children are living with their biological moth- ers and a stepfather. When compared to children from nondivorced families they are overrepresented amongst the numbers of children manifesting social,'emotional and behavior problems. Many of the chil- dren report themselves to feel less affection and warmth for their moth- ers than do children from nondivorced families. The author briefly summarizes the major fmdings concerning motherduld relations in stepfalher families. She concludes that although logic would dictate that a solid positive relationship between mother and child might buffer the child against the possible negative effects of a series of important changes in the child's life, this essential factor has rarely been ad- dressed. She argues for the need to conduct more research on mother- child relations and interactions in order to integrate the lindings with other data concerning stepfamilies. This would lead to a...