Exploring the Role of Social Support in Coping With Challenges Faced by Stepmothers: A Case Study in South Africa Using the Social Support Theory

Stepmothers often face unique challenges in stepfamily dynamics and require coping strategies to navigate their roles effectively. This study explores the role of social support in helping stepmothers cope with the challenges that they face within father–stepmother families. Using the social support theory as a conceptual framework, the research investigates the ways in which emotional, informational and instrumental support networks influence stepmothers’ coping strategies and well-being. Through a qualitative case study approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with five stepmothers in father–stepmother families in the eThekwini district, South Africa. The findings reveal that stepmothers rely on various social support sources, such as extended family, friends, colleagues, domestic workers and traditional healers, to manage the complexities of their role. These support networks provide essential emotional, instrumental and informational support that enables stepmothers to manage the unique stressors that they face. The study also reveals the range of coping strategies that stepmothers employ, which are influenced by their sources of support and the necessity of preventing family violence. Indeed, while stepmothers adopted various strategies to navigate their role, some of these strategies also served to prevent family violence. The study emphasises the importance of fostering robust support systems for stepmothers, not only to improve their overall coping abilities and well-being but also to help prevent family violence. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of family dynamics and offer valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers and researchers interested in enhancing support for stepfamilies.