Much of the stress in stepfamilies is due to

A) the vagueness and the "lack of fit" with cultural norms that define the ideal family.
B) the continued presence of the noncustodial parent.
C) rivalry between stepmothers and stepdaughters.
D) the age difference between the remarried spouses.

Stepfamilies often do not fit the idealized version of a family in society, leading to confusion and ambiguity about roles and expectations. The lack of clear cultural norms can contribute to stress and conflict. The continued presence of a noncustodial parent and rivalry between stepmothers and stepdaughters can also contribute to stress, but they are not the primary factor. Age difference between spouses may be a factor in some cases, but it is not a major cause of stress in stepfamilies.