American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Practice Test

In which type of family does only one individual marrying have children prior to the marriage?

1. Simple stepfamily

2. Complex stepfamily

3. Blended family

4. Single-parent family

The correct answer is: Simple stepfamily

The term that best fits the description of a family where only one individual has children prior to marriage is the simple stepfamily. In this family dynamic, one partner enters the marriage having children from a previous relationship, while the other partner does not have any children of their own. This contrasts with other family types like blended families, which usually involve both partners bringing children from prior relationships, or complex stepfamilies, which can include more intricate relationships and multiple sets of children. Additionally, a single-parent family refers specifically to a family unit led by a single caregiver, which does not necessarily include a new partner who has not previously married. Thus, the concept of a simple stepfamily, where the emphasis is on one individual with children marrying another who does not, aligns perfectly with the question's criteria.