Family Commitment, Role Perceptions, Social Support, and Mutual Children in Remarriage

Abstract

Family commitment is a promising multidimensional phenomenon to consider in the study of family relationships, yet may be difficult for remarried families to achieve due to high levels of uncertainty that are inherent in remarried family life. Using uncertainty reduction theory to examine family commitment, the 54 participants were highly committed to their families, perceived moderately high levels of support for their current relationship from family members, and had a high degree of role certainty and role clarity. Support, particularly from the current relationship, was significantly related to both family commitment and to role clarity. Significant differences were also found in family commitment and the amount of perceived support, based on whether a mutual child was born in the remarriage.