Stepparent Role Research Articles

Earning the Role: Father Role Institutionalization and the Achievement of Contemporary Fatherhood

Abstract Fatherhood has become an achieved status among complex, disadvantaged families. Stepfathers may have an advantage over nonresident biological fathers in earning the father role; in-depth interview studies reveal that nonresident fathers are often stripped of the father label while stepfathers commonly achieve it instead. This stepfather advantage is surprising given extant institutionalization theory, which suggests that the stronger institutionalization of the biological father role should benefit nonresident fathers over stepfathers. Drawing on 55 in-depth interviews with adolescents and their primary caregivers, we recenter youth agency in family theory by exploring how some men and not others earn the father role from the perspective of their adolescent children. We find that the strongly institutionalized role obligations of biological fathers impeded rather than aided nonresident father-child engagement. When nonresident fathers did not meet institutionalized expectations, adolescents experienced psychological trauma and usually resisted their attempts to become more involved. In contrast, the incomplete institutionalization of the stepparent role benefited stepfather-stepchild relations by allowing stepfathers to flexibly adapt to complex family dynamics. Further, stepfathers more easily met, and even exceeded, their stepchildren’s limited expectations of them. Thus, stepfathers may face a lower cultural bar for and gain greater satisfaction from fulfilling the father role than nonresident biological fathers.

Protector and friend: Turning points and discursive constructions of the stepparent role

AbstractObjectiveTo understand turning points (TPs) in the development of positive stepparent–stepchild communication and relationships.BackgroundScholars stress the importance of communication in co‐constructing healthy stepparent–stepchild relationships. The researchers focused on positive stepparenting via understanding transformational turning point (TP) events across time. Research questions explored how stepparents with an overall positive relationship with a stepchild characterize TPs and the discursive constructions of the stepparent role.MethodThe team analyzed 877 pages of data from 37 in‐depth interviews with stepparents who described self‐identified TP events, reflected in visual graphs of 279 TPs.ResultsData were coded into 11 TP types, focused on structural and role changes for stepparents, co‐constructed over time. The top three TP types were changes in household composition, communicating support through offering protection and being present/available, and role change, most frequently by functioning as a parent versus friend. All the TPs highlight discursive work to forge positive stepparenting roles.ConclusionsThe findings extend earlier studies of stepchildren's experiences and communication practices that ground resilience to manage relational resources through investments of quality time and enactment of social support.ImplicationsApplications suggest support for stepparents to have quality interactions with stepchildren and training to develop healthy communication practices and facilitate resilience.

Effective stepparenting: Empirical evidence of what works

AbstractObjectiveWe sought to identify research evidence about stepparents' childrearing behaviors that contribute to stepchildren's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well‐being to draw best practices guidelines for stepfamily interventions.BackgroundStepparents' relationships with stepchildren are important predictors of individual, relational, and stepfamily well‐being and effective family functioning. Most researchers have examined problems in step‐relationships, but knowing what stepparents do that works in helping their stepchildren develop can help inform professionals who support and educate stepfamily members.MethodWe analyzed the results of 67 research studies containing empirical evidence of effective childrearing of stepchildren by stepparents to extract evidence‐based statements about what stepparents do that “works” to enhance the positive development of stepchildren.ResultsWe found that researchers examined two broad topics: (a) developing positive stepparent–stepchild relationships, and (b) developing clear roles for stepparents.ConclusionsOn the basis of this review, we found that stepparents developed close relationships with stepchildren by spending time together, engaging in one‐on‐one activities, having fun together, working together, caregiving, giving tangible support, advocating for stepchildren, communicating positive messages, conveying vulnerability, talking every day, and leaving discipline to parents early in relationships. A variety of stepparent roles are effective, if they meet stepfamily members' needs. Flexibility in role performance is linked to more satisfying relationships. Stepchildren's receptivity to stepparents is also important in effective stepparenting.ImplicationsFamily professionals can help stepparents strategize about engaging in relationship‐building behaviors tailored for their stepchildren. Family professionals also can assist stepfamilies negotiate roles for stepparents that are accepted by all stepfamily members.

A Qualitative Analysis of the Stepparent Role on Transition Days in Blended Families

The current qualitative research study enhances the understanding of stepparent roles on transition day for researchers and clinicians who focus on marriage and family issues. Thirteen family members (parents, stepparents) who were in various stages of stepfamily formation were assessed. The current study explicated three themes of the stepparent role on transition day. The themes were: stepparent role and authority, stepparent role and ambiguity, and lastly, stepparent role and single to having children. By gaining a more in-depth understanding of stepparent roles during days of transition, immediate assistance may be provided to families who encounter transition difficulties. Useful approaches for current and future stepfamilies are discussed.

The Challenges of Being a Mother in a Stepfamily

Children in stepfamilies are at increased risk of negative outcomes compared to children in first marriages, although most fare adequately or well. Researchers have emphasized the importance of defining the stepfamily processes that support or hinder child adjustment. This article considers the challenges that mothers face as they raise their children in stepfamily households. It examines the stepfamily processes that might account for the increased problems that some mothers experience in the transition to stepfamily living. These include the preparation of children for remarriage, the demands on mothers' attention, the stepparent role and its impact on mothers and children, and loyalty issues and coalitions. These areas are important foci for researchers as mothers need evidenced-based guidance to assist them in supporting children to adjust to the family changes.

Stepfamilies and the Law: Legal Ambiguities and Suggestions for Reform

Cherlin's (1978) argument that stepfamilies are incomplete as far as the legal system is concerned is still valid and relevant today. This review of literature discusses the ambiguous role stepparents have in the legal system, both in intact and divorced stepfamilies. Legal scholars and social science researchers' suggestions to help stepfamilies find their place within the legal system are also included to show the variation of the proposed solutions. Scholars seem uncertain as to how to accomplish the task of changing laws to benefit stepfamilies, but agree that laws need to give more authority and recognition to the stepparent role.

Spanish Adaptation of the Stepparent Role Strain Index

Stepparent role strain refers to the fragile position of these family members in stepfamilies due to the lack of clear social expectations about their roles. This ambiguity facilitates family conflict and a lack of stepparents' integration into the family system. The aim of this paper is to adapt a pioneer measure of stepparent role strain--the Stepparent Role Strain Index of Whitsett and Land (1992)--in a Spanish sample and to analyze its construct validity. The final instrument is made up of 26 items which have good internal consistency (alpha = .89) and an underlying six-factor structure, explaining 64.50% of the total variance.

The Push and Pull of Stepfamily Life: The Contribution of Stepchildren's Autonomy and Connection-Seeking Behaviors to Role Development in Stepfamilies

Role negotiation in stepfamilies is an important process that involves and affects all family members. Although researchers have focused on stepparent role development and the influence of stepparents' behaviors, less attention has been given to the influence and experience of stepchildren in role development. This investigation examined the contribution of stepchildren to the type of stepparent roles developed in stepfamilies, as well as stepchildren's experience of role ambiguity and the impact of stepchildren's role content and clarity on relational quality. Fifty-two stepchildren completed questionnaires about their relationships and interaction with their stepparent during adolescence. Findings indicate that stepchildren's autonomy and connection-seeking behaviors predict stepchildren's reports of stepparent role types, stepchildren's reports of stepparents' warmth displays predict stepchildren's role ambiguity, and stepchildren's behavior and role ambiguity relate to their relational satisfaction. Suggestions for future research in this area are proposed.

The Stepparent Relationship Index: Development, validation, and associations with stepchildren’s perceptions of stepparent communication competence and closeness

AbstractThere is a growing consensus among family researchers that many of the challenges facing members of stepfamilies revolve around the role of the stepparent. Using schema theory, this study extends recent research on the stepparent role by developing an empirically reliable measure for the primary dimensions that stepchildren identify as part of their stepparent relationship schemas. Participants included 522 young adult stepchildren from 4 different states who completed an inventory assessing key dimensions of the stepparent‐stepchild relationship, as well as stepchildren’s perceptions of stepparents’ communication competence and closeness. The results produced a new multidimensional measure, the Stepparent Relationship Index, as three dimensions of the stepparent‐stepchild relationship emerged from factor analytic techniques: positive regard, (step)parental authority, and affective certainty. Each subscale produced acceptable reliability estimates, and initial evidence of concurrent validity was obtained.

Stepfamily Living and Parent-Child Relationships: An Exploratory Investigation

Results from research with stepfamilies indicate that some residential parent-child relationships deteriorate after parents remarry. This paper reports on three interview studies, the dual aims of which were to develop greater insight into what occurs in parent-child relationships in stepfamily households and the impact of different parenting practices on these relationships. Fifty-one participants took part in individual or group interviews. These participants included 9 therapists experienced in working with stepfamilies, 28 young adults who grew up in stepfamilies, and 14 stepfamily members. This third group consisted of 7 preadolescent children and their residential biological mothers. The present results focus on a number of themes that emerged across the three studies, with particular reference to parenting practices that were experienced as either difficult or supportive. These concerned the importance of parental time and attention; information, communication, and consultation regarding family changes; the different meanings that remarriage has for parents and children; the stepparent role; and ongoing interparental conflict.

A Qualitative Analysis of Stepfamilies

Twelve stepparents of adolescents were asked in a semi-structured interview to describe (a) their life before joining the family; (b) ‘getting to know’ the family during dating; and (c) being a part of the stepfamily. Qualitative analysis revealed four major themes: (1) Legitimate power, or questions of trust, credibility, financial responsibilities, and discipline; (2) Expectationsabout appropriate adolescent behavior, appropriate role models, the right to be nurturing, and the time to become part of a family; (3) Belonging, unity, and cohesion, or feeling excluded, friction with one child, joining with spouse, forming ‘united fronts,’ triangulation, traditions, and communication; and (4) Stepparent roles, including ambiguity and loss of personal time. Stepparent narratives support the conclusion that an over-arching issue is that of joining. In addition to supporting prior research, the present results highlighted the common coping strategy that “they will grow up and move out someday,” the fact that much of the friction in joining is typically with just one child, the importance of the parents forming a united front, and the importance of loss of ‘personal’ time for stepparents.

Young Adults' Perceptions of Parents' Responses in Stepfamilies

Stepfamily relationship research has emphasized the stepparent role and relationships between stepparents and stepchildren, neglecting the study of bioparent-child relationships in stepfamily households. In this study, 28 young adults from stepfamilies participated in group interviews, that focussed on their perceptions of parental responses in childhood stepfamily situations. A number of themes emerged around parental responses experienced as hurtful or helpful. These included the importance for children of parental attention and communication, perceptions of loyalty, discipline issues, parental decisions related to transitions and the ongoing relationship with the non-resident parent. It is argued that the bioparent-child relationship may be more important to child wellbeing than the stepparent-stepchild relationship; and that increased research emphasis on this biological dyad will contribute significantly to an understanding of healthy stepfamily adjustment.

Stepparents

In most states, stepparents have little or no legal decision-making authority. Stepchildren do not receive the legal recognition as dependents that triggers a safety net in the event of death or divorce, nor do former stepparents have the legal right to visitation or custody. However, the lack of legal recognition of the stepparent role may not reflect the reality of contemporary stepfamilies. This article examines stepfamily functioning with the aim of creating a new policy orientation. We draw on both the National Survey of Families and Households and an in-depth study of 27 stepfamilies to investigate the everyday functioning of stepparents with regard to caregiving tasks, discipline, distribution of economic resources, attitudes toward legal status, and perception of parental roles. The findings support a new policy initiative that would legally recognize stepparents as de facto parents for a variety of purposes.

Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess the Difficulties of Couples in Stepfamilies

This study seeks to validate the Questionnaire for Couples in Stepfamiles (QCS). This questionnaire was created to assess individual perception of the nature and intensity of difficulties experienced by couples in stepfamilies. One hundred and thirty-two women and 106 men in stepfamilies completed both the QCS and the Marital Adjustment Test (MAT) (Locke & Wallace, 1959) to confirm convergent validity. According to factorial analysis, the QCS includes a unique factor for each of the four following scales: (1) difficulties associated with the social and family dimension; (2) difficulties associated with the role of spouse; (3) difficulties associated with the role of parent; (4) difficulties associated with the role of stepparent. As the Cronbach' s alphas are all greater than .80, they reveal a strong internal consistency for each scale. It was also possible to calculate a clinical cutting score separating satisfied spouses from dissatisfied ones for each scale.

Consistency in Perceptions of the Step-Parent Role among Step-Parents, Parents and Stepchildren

The purposes of this study were to determine the degree of consistency in stepfamily members' perceptions of the step-parent role, to examine the relation between the degree of consistency in role perceptions and adjustment in stepfamilies, and to determine the extent to which clarity pertaining to the step-parent role was related to adjustment. Step-parents, parents and stepchildren from 40 stepfamilies completed a series of self-report questionnaires pertaining to their perceptions of the step-parent role and multiple levels of adjustment in their stepfamilies. Step-parents and parents perceived that the step-parent should and does play an active parental role, stepchildren were more likely to perceive that the step-parent should assume the less active role of `friend', and consistency in role perceptions was moderately strongly related to the interpersonal dimensions of adjustment in stepfamilies. The findings suggest that stepchildren have differing perceptions of the step-parent role than do their parents and step-parents.

The Stepparent Role from a Gender Perspective

The Stepparent Role from a Gender Perspective

Perceptions of Stepparents

Using a vignette approach that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative methodology, these researchers investigated the incomplete institutionalization hypothesis and the social stigma hypothesis as they relate to cultural perceptions of stepparent roles. Two studies were conducted; data were collected from 435 college students. The results neither clearly supported nor refuted the incomplete institutionalization hypothesis, and it was cautiously concluded that the social stigma hypothesis received limited support, and then only for stepmothers.

Role Strain Prediction in Stepfamilies

This article reports the existence of role strain prediction factors identified in stepfamilies. The data was collected hom 162 indi- viduals divided into 84 families reconstituted following a divorce. This sample applies lo parents as well as stepparents. The principal results of this shdy revealed that the most important role strain prediction factor for the parents in a stepfamily is the competition between the children and the new spouse. As for the stepparents, a low level of consensus in relation to the parent's way of raising the children is h e strongest pre- diction variable. Finally, the most simcant prediction factor for indi- viduals assuming a role of both parent and stepparent is a very high de- gree of consensus on Ule way in which the spouse, parent of the children, assumes his role of parent

The Clarity and Content of the Stepparent Role

The manner in which the role of the stepparent is de- fined and implemented has been identified as an important determi- nant of how well family members adjust to living in stepfamilies. This article reviews the literature on the'role of the stepparent, focus- ing primarily on two independent aspects of this role: its clarity and its content. After information is presented on these two aspects of the steooarent role, the limited research on how the clarity and contcnt of ih'e stepparent role.relate to the adjustment of stepf&ily members is reviewed. Finallv. some imolicalions for ~rofessionals who work with stepfamilies he provided.

Bridging the Gap: Clinical Applications of Research Findings on the Spouse and Stepparent Roles in Remarriage

A review of thefindingsfrom selected studies on the spousal and stepparental roles is offered. Most articles on the topic emphasize either reporting findings from research studies or outlining a series of clinical interventions. This article emphasizes both because effective clinical interventions with stepfamilies must stem from the relevant findings from empirical research. The review of literature serves as a necessary foundation for the nine clinical recommendations discussed.