Remarriage Preparation: Usage, Perceived Helpfulness, and Dyadic Adjustment

Abstract

This study provides a contemporary evaluation of 10 different forms of remarriage preparation. Utilizing a subsample of 303 remarried couples from a larger study of newlyweds, we report usage of remarriage preparation and perceived helpfulness as well as differences in dyadic adjustment between respondents who did or did not prepare. Those who participated in some form of preparation generally found it helpful. The majority of those who did not prepare felt it was unnecessary. Differences in dyadic adjustment varied by the form of preparation. Implications for scholars, practitioners, and policy makers include the need for more research‐based materials that counter popular stepfamily myths as well as resources that can be made available to the public through mediums that are trusted and commonly accessed.

Relationship Help-Seeking: A Review of the Efficacy and Reach

“…In another study of 303 newlywed remarried couples, 56.8% of women and 42.8% of men rated talking with other couples as being either "helpful" or "very helpful" in preparation for remarriage. In the same study, 61.7% of women and 53.2% of men reported that talking with their parents was "helpful" or "very helpful" (Higginbotham et al, 2009). Another study showed that couples were more likely to attend premarital counseling if a respected other recommended it to them (Sullivan, Pasch, Cornelius, & Cirigliano, 2004).…”

“…Higginbotham et al (2009) showed that the main sources of help-seeking pursued by both men and women seeking remarriage, listed from most to least popular, included talking with family; talking with friends; talking with religious leaders; reading pamphlets, magazines, or news articles; and reading self-help books. In the same study professional counseling, visiting a website, watching videos and movies on marriage, attending a class (2 or more sessions), and attending a workshop or lecture were less used compared with other help-seeking behaviors.…”

“…Examining the efficacy and reach of other help-seeking avenues may highlight other options available to those in relationships. A relatively scant body of literature suggests that informal help-seeking (i.e., self-help books, help from friends and family, clergy, internet resources) is common, but the impact of these informal methods has not been researched extensively (Doss, 2009;Higginbotham, Miller, & Niehuis, 2009). Relationship help-seeking needs to be explored more thoroughly to provide researchers, therapists, and educators with accurate, practical information that might be used to improve more couple relationships.…”

“…We also discuss informal helpseeking behaviors (i.e., self-help books, internet resources, talking with clergy, family and friends) because these behaviors are some of the most used by couples but are infrequently studied (cf. Higginbotham et al, 2009). We explore gender differences and ethnic background that moderate help-seeking patterns and, finally, outline research and clinical recommendations.…”

“I Wouldn't Wish It on My Worst Enemy”: Western Australian Fathers’ Perspectives on Their Marital Separation Experiences

“…In Australia, for instance, one such investigation has suggested that women are twice as likely as men to initiate separation (Hewitt, Western, & Baxter 2006). Another insight comes from Higginbotham, Miller, and Niehuis (2009), who determined that women are more likely to preplan their subsequent postseparation relationships than are men.…”