Keywords

family, parent-child relationships, stepfamily, emerging adults

Abstract

This study sought to understand the effect that residential biological parent-child relationship has on retrospective accounts of overall stepfamily experiences. Using data from the Stepfamily Experiences Project (STEP), a nationally-based quota sample, retrospective accounts of 1,593 emerging adults’ stepfamily experiences were analyzed. Results indicated that a higher quality residential biological parent-child relationship was positively and significantly correlated with a higher quality stepfamily experience. Clinicians and other social scientists need to be aware of the importance of strengthening the parent-child relationship when providing services and interventions for stepfamilies.

Original Publication Citation

Urick, M., & Limb, G. (2015). The quality of residential parent-child relationships and the impact on stepfamily experience. Journal of Sociology and Social Work, 3(1), 27-33.