Marital Adjustment in Remarriage: A Systematic Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Specific risk factors can negatively impact marital adjustment (MA) in remarriage and contribute to higher dissolution rates. However, more than understanding the differences between first marriages and remarriages, it is crucial to understand why some remarriages are more adjusted than others. Our objective was to systematically review quantitative studies examining positive and negative factors influencing MA among heterosexual remarried individuals. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we included English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese peer-reviewed papers utilizing MA assessment instruments. Out of 372 studies, 33 met our criteria and were included. This review unveiled MA factors associated with sociodemographic, individual, stepfamily, and relational variables. Results indicated that there are more positive factors associated with MA than negative. Future reviews should embrace diverse research methodologies and account for the growing prevalence of cohabiting stepcouples, aiming to develop an overarching theory on MA within stepfamily dynamics.