A typology of interactional patterns between youth and their stepfathers: Associations with family relationship quality and youth well-being

Citation

Jensen, T. M. (2018). A typology of interactional patterns between youth and their stepfathers: Associations with family relationship quality and youth well-being. Family Process.

Abstract

Stepfamilies are an increasingly common family form, many of which are headed by a resident mother and stepfather. Stepfather-child relationships exert notable influence on stepfamily stability and individual well-being. Although various stepfather roles have been observed, more research is warranted by which stepfather-child interactions are explored holistically and across a variety of life domains (e.g., recreational, personal, academic, and disciplinary). Thus, the primary purpose of the current study is to explore varying interactional patterns between youth and their stepfathers. A latent class analysis is conducted using a representative sample of 1,183 youth (53% female; mean age = 15.64 years, SD = 1.70 years; 62% non-Hispanic White) residing in mother-stepfather families from Wave I of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Latent-class enumeration processes support a four-class solution, with latent classes representing inactive, academically oriented, casually connected, and versatile and involved patterns of youth-stepparent interaction. Notable differences and similarities are evident across patterns with respect to family relationship quality, youth well-being, and socio-demographic characteristics. Differences are most stark between the inactive and versatile and involved patterns. Ultimately, the results showcase notable variation in youth-stepparent interactional patterns, and one size does not necessarily fit all stepfamilies. Family practitioners should be mindful of variation in youth-stepparent interactional patterns and assist stepfamilies in seeking out stepparent-child dynamics that are most compatible with the needs and dynamics of the larger family system.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12348

Keyword(s)

Family Processes Parent Relationships Stepfamily Well-Being Youth bienestar familia ensamblada jovenes padre procesos familiares relaciones

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Family Process

Author(s)

Jensen, T. M.

Year Published

2018

Edition

March 9, 2018

DOI

10.1111/famp.12348

Reference ID

8380