A Longitudinal Examination of Marital Processes Leading to Instability in Remarriages and Stepfamilies

Validating the Remarriage Belief Inventory as a Dyadic Measure for Stepcouples

“…Drawing on a family systems cognitive-behavior therapy perspective, stepfamily experts have suggested that addressing unrealistic beliefs and expectations in stepfamilies may enhance marital quality (van Eeden-Moorefield & Pasley, 2008); yet empirical evidence is virtually nonexistent. Research is needed to examine whether addressing couples’ unrealistic remarriage beliefs through relationship education or couples therapy is successful in improving marital interactions and quality.…”

Family Compositions and Marital Conflicts in Cross-border Remarriages in Hong Kong

“…Issues about stepparent-stepchild relationships, particularly stepfather-daughter relationships, may also contribute to marital conflicts (Feinberg, Kan, & Hetherington, 2007). The negative impacts of marital conflicts on marital quality over time (Beaudry et al, 2004, Bodenmann, Pihet, & Kayser, 2006 and the subsequent possibility of dissolution are particularly significant among those with children from previous marriages (van Eeden-Moorefield & Pasley, 2008). By contrast, remarried couples with only common children experience fewer conflicts than those with stepchildren only over time (MacDonald and DeMaris, 1995).…”

“…Insights from these studies are helpful in understanding the marital experience of marriage migrants of second marriages, but remarried migrant mothers may encounter additional and specific challenges, particularly those who bring their children into remarriage. These mothers must not only navigate the parent-child-stepparent triangle (van Eeden-Moorefield & Pasley, 2008, 2013 but may also encounter additional challenges due to the diversities and desynchronization in their immigration status, migratory trajectories, and accompanying children. However, few notable exceptions on remarried foreign brides have mostly focused on their motives for transnational marriage with sparse coverage on their post-migration marital relationships (Constable, 2003;Lauser, 2008).…”

“…Studies have shown that remarriages and stepfamilies are less stable and have a greater potential for conflicts than first marriages, particularly those with the presence of children from previous unions (Teachman, 1986(Teachman, , 2008Bramlett & Mosher, 2002;Pasley& Lee 2010;Whitton, Stanley, Markman, & Johnson, 2013). Disagreements over childrearing or discipline and finance are the primary sources of conflicts among remarried couples (Stanley, Markman, & Whitton, 2002), whereas issues regarding stepparent-stepchild relationships contribute to marital conflicts leading to subsequent divorce (Feinberg, Kan, & Hetherington, 2007;van Eeden-Moorefield &Pasley, 2008). Recent studies on marriage migration have revealed that remarried women comprise a significant proportion of foreign brides in international marriages in Hong Kong, Asia, and western societies (Constable, 2003;Fresnoza-Flot, 2017;Hong, Song, & Park, 2013;Lauser, 2008, Le Bail, 2017Lu, 2008, Tosakul, 2010.…”

“…However, studies on marriage migration have mostly focused on young women from first marriages, whereas notable exceptions on remarried foreign brides have examined their motives for transnational marriage (Constable 2003, Lauser, 2008, leaving their post-migration remarital dynamics and challenges underexplored. Family structures, such as the presence of children from previous unions, are significant in accentuating the negative effects of marital conflicts on the subsequent possibility of divorce in remarriages (van Eeden-Moorefield & Pasley, 2008). However, research has yet to examine in-depth the sources of conflicts in remarriages with different family compositions.…”