Stepparenting issues and relationship quality: The role of clear communication

Keywords

social work, children and families, communication, family interventions, gender, parenting, stepfamilies

Abstract

Summary: Using data from a sample of RELATE (the RELATionship Evaluation Survey) respondents in stepfamilies (N = 560), this study examined the association between relationship quality (satisfaction and stability) and stepparenting issues. Although stepparenting issues can negatively impact romantic partners in stepfamilies, we suggest that high-quality communication may be a protective factor for individuals and couples stressed by their relationship with a nonbiological child.

Findings: Our results show that stepparenting issues are negatively associated with satisfaction and stability, but is partially mediated by clear-sending communication. Further, this mediation is stronger for women when considering satisfaction and for men when considering stability.

Applications: Our results show that stepparenting issues can be a strong sense of discord among romantic couples. Yet, they also indicate that clear-sending communication in relationships can substantially reduce the negative association of these issues with relationship quality. This finding suggests that therapeutic models that focus on emotionally focused couples therapy, structural family therapy, or address issues within the family system may be best for addressing common problems in stepfamilies.

Original Publication Citation

Pace, G.T.*, Shafer, K., Jensen, T.M.*, & Larson, J.H. (2015). “Stepparenting Issues and Relationship Quality: The Role of Clear Communication.” Journal of Social Work, 15(1): 24-44.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2013-10-02

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7208

Publisher

Journal of Social Work

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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