What is a plausible benefit of integrating members of two different families?

• A. The ambiguity of roles in remarried families offers family members the opportunity to create new ones that may prove to be more satisfying in the long run.
• B. There is decreased stress for the biological parent.
• C. Antagonistic relationships provide opportunities for conflict resolution.
• D. There is a realization that sibling rivalry is a sign of immaturity.

Answer: (B)

In blended families, bringing two households together often reduces pressure on the biological parent because the new partner and extended family can share parenting tasks, provide emotional support, and contribute financially. This shared load can lessen burnout, improve decision-making, and create a more stable home environment, which translates to lower stress for the parent who previously carried much of the responsibility alone. The other options lean more toward potential tensions or misunderstandings rather than reliable benefits: role ambiguity can increase stress rather than ease it, antagonistic relationships aren’t a benefit even if they lead to conflict resolution, and sibling rivalry is not a sign of maturity nor a desirable outcome.