Latent Profiles of Residential Stepfamily Relationship Quality and Family Stability

Abstract

Stepfamilies are an increasingly common context in which adults and children reside. Past research has examined family processes that promote family resilience, such as dyadic relationships marked by warmth, positive communication, satisfaction, and closeness. What remains less clear is whether various profiles of dyadic relationship quality within stepfamilies exist and operate to influence stepfamily stability. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we conducted a latent profile analysis of mother-child, stepfather-child, and stepcouple relationship quality among a sample of 1,646 adolescents residing in married and cohabiting mother-stepfather families. Results favor a 4-profile solution, labeled high-quality, high-quality couple relationship, high-quality parent-child relationships, and low-quality. The identified latent profiles displayed differences with respect to family stability, or rates of remaining an intact family system 1 year later.

Stepparent–Child Relationship Quality and Couple Relationship Quality: Stepfamily Household Type as a Moderating Influence

“…The quality of new stepfamily relationships is linked to stepfamily functioning, stability, and well-being (Ganong et al, 2019; Ganong & Coleman, 2017; Jensen & Weller, 2019). Stepparent–child relationship quality and couple relationship quality, in particular, are central and interrelated pillars of stepfamily life (Coleman et al, 2013; Ganong & Coleman, 2017; Jensen & Howard, 2015; Papernow, 2013).…”

“…The quality of newly formed and extant relationships is a major crux of stepfamily functioning and stability (Coleman et al, 2013; Jensen & Weller, 2019; Papernow, 2013). The qualities of stepparent–child relationships and new couple relationships, in particular, are linked with stepfamily outcomes and the well-being of stepfamily members (Ganong, Jensen, Sanner, Russell, Coleman, & Chapman, 2019; Jensen & Harris, 2017a, 2017b; Jensen & Lippold, 2018; Jensen, Lippold, Mills-Koonce, Fosco, 2017; King, 2006).…”

Supporting Successful Stepfathering: An Integration of the Professional Literature and Online Stepfather Reflections

“…The traditional enactment of fathering is experiencing expansion to include the 5Ps (participator/problem solver, playmate, principled guide, provider, preparer, as cited by Gold, 2016a). Based on this premise, the stepfathering relationship can be guided through enactments of four positive relational dynamics (Jensen & Weller, 2019) such as (a) high levels of empathy, (b) sensitivity, (c) realistic expectations, and (d) communication skills based on what children have experienced, what is needed and what the mother expects. However, counselors may investigate the extent to which each stepfather, and stepfamily member, evaluates the stepfather’s capacity and competency in each domain of interpersonal functioning.…”

“…The vast majority of stepfather families seem to be based on ecological-contextual theory of fathering that both parents actively emotional, physical and financial care of children (Ganong et al, 2019; Gold, 2019a; Jensen & Weller, 2019). While ideal in concept, this idea is not supported by strong or clear social norms as to how to enact these ideals.…”

“…Therefore, the presentation of the stepfather role requires ongoing admission of uncertainty between stepfamily spouses, with a solid commitment to both the continuous reemergence of that role and a careful assessment of its impact on all stepfamily members. Based in warmth, sensitivity, and empathy (Jensen & Weller, 2019; Kinniburgh-White et al, 2010), stepfather roles manifest emotional strain, tension, and wondering with the understanding that these experiences are endemic to the role, and is no indicative of the stepfather’s inadequacy. The capacity of the stepfather to acknowledge these feelings to himself, and his spouse, and to enter into vulnerable conversation with his spouse will contribute greatly to their acceptance and a sense of profound relief of their legitimacy and appropriateness given the ambiguities of the stepfather role.…”