Which of the following is NOT a key factor in the increase of sexual tension in remarried families?

• A. The well-defined incest prohibitions.
• B. The lack of clear rules and prohibitions.
• C. The parent-stepparent union is relatively new.
• D. The encouragement of mutual activities to bring the children together.

Answer: (A)

In remarried families, sexual tension tends to rise when boundaries are unclear and new family roles are still forming. Clear incest prohibitions set firm boundaries that prevent inappropriate attraction between stepfamily members, so having well-defined prohibitions actually reduces the chance of sexual tension. That's why this factor is not something that increases tension. By contrast, a lack of clear rules and a relatively new parent-stepparent union create ambiguity and unsettled dynamics that can fuel tension. Encouraging mutual activities to bring the children together is generally a strategy to build family cohesion, which tends to lower tension rather than raise it. So the factor that does not contribute to the increase in sexual tension is the presence of well-defined incest prohibitions.