Stepparents and Parenting Stress: The Roles of Gender, Marital Quality, and Views about Gender Roles

Shapiro, Danielle N.

doi:10.1111/famp.12062

Cited by 33 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 64 publications

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“…Only those surveys in which both partners provided information were considered for this study. In addition, as there were very few stepparents in our sample (less than 2%), and because stepparents' parenting roles are more complex and less defined than biological parenting roles (Shapiro, 2014), we eliminated these parent-stepparent pairs and only retained in the final sample those participants who were their child's biological parents. The parents' participation rate was 38%.…”

Section: Methods Participants and Proceduresmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relationships between work–family dynamics and parenting experiences: a dyadic analysis of dual-earner couples

et al. 2016

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Research on the work-family interface has not consistently addressed how the positive and negative features of work-family dynamics conjointly relate to the experience of parenting, and still fewer studies have explored these interrelationships from a dyadic perspective. The present investigation addressed this gap by examining the extent to which mothers' and fathers' reports of work-family conflict and enrichment influenced their own and their spouse's parenting experiences. Each member of 346 dual-earner couples completed measures of work-family conflict (WFC) and work-family enrichment (WFE), along with measures of parenting attitudes and competencies. A dyadic analysis revealed that WFC and WFE differentially affected the quality of parenting attitudes and competencies. In addition, a differential pattern of crossover effects between partners was found, particularly with respect to the effect of mothers' work-family dynamics on fathers' parenting experience. More specifically, while only one significant partner effect was observed for women (from fathers' WFC to mothers' increased relational frustration), four partner effects were found in men's parenting experience (from mothers' WFC to fathers' increased relational frustration, reduced sense of competence and reduced attachment; and from mothers' WFE to fathers' increased involvement). Further implications of these findings for advancing understanding of the impact of work-family dynamics on intrafamily relationships are discussed. experiences. Yet, despite the recent proliferation of research on the work-family interface and

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Section: Methods Participants and Proceduresmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relationships between work–family dynamics and parenting experiences: a dyadic analysis of dual-earner couples

et al. 2016

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“…Researchers have noted the need to approach studies of stepfamilies from a family systems perspective in order to develop a better understanding of these complex family processes (Dupuis, 2010; Shapiro, 2014). Because family members are interconnected, and not simply a compilation of individual relationships, research that examines the manner in which subsystems impact each other may offer greater insight in understanding their influence on individual well-being (Higginbotham et al, 2012; Jensen & Shafer, 2013; Schrodt et al, 2008).…”

Section: Stepfather-stepchild Relationship Qualitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In general, married African Americans tend to report low levels of marital quality (e.g., Broman, 2005; Bulanda & Brown, 2007). High overall marital quality helps stepparents adjust better to their new parenting role (Shapiro, 2014) and contributes to positive mental health outcomes for stepparents (Shapiro & Stewart, 2012). The present study contributes to the current literature by considering multiple indicators of marital quality within the context of African American stepfamilies.…”

Section: Marital Quality and Interactions As Mediatorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

African American Stepfather–Stepchild Relationships, Marital Quality, and Mental Health

Bryant

Futris

Hicks

et al. 2016

Journal of Divorce & Remarriage

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This study examined associations between stepfather-stepchild relationship quality, stepfathers’ depressive symptoms, and two aspects of marriage: marital quality and positive marital interactions. Marital quality was assessed in terms of commitment, trust, passionate and friendship-based love, and happiness. Marital interactions were assessed in terms of intimacy, shared activities, and verbal communication. Using data collected from 149 recently married African American stepfathers, structural equation modeling revealed that when stepfathers reported more positive relationships with their stepchildren, they also reported more positive marital quality and a higher frequency of positive marital interactions (relationship solidifying activities), and that, in turn, was associated with stepfathers experiencing fewer depressive symptoms.

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“…Several studies on stepparents and biological parents have shown that difficulties during the family formation process can easily occur in stepfamilies, and particularly for stepmothers, who experience higher stress levels [5–8]. These findings accord with stepfamily research in Western societies [9–11]. In addition, several studies have shown that residing in a stepfamily is a risk factor for child abuse [12, 13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 72%

“…In contrast, having low levels of traditional gender role perceptions is reported to function as a protective factor in stepfamily mothers’ mental health [11]. Thus, professionals need to consider the stepfamily mother’s place in her family based on a deep understanding of the difficulties surrounding stepfamily formation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characteristics of stepfamilies and maternal mental health compared with non-stepfamilies in Japan

Sugimoto

Yokoyama

2017

Environ Health Prev Med

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BackgroundStepfamilies remain poorly understood in Japanese society, and the support needs of stepfamily mothers are unclear. This study aimed to identify characteristics of stepfamilies and maternal mental health as compared with non-stepfamilies in Japan to utilize as a primary resource for providing effective support through community-based health care for stepfamilies.MethodsFrom December 2011 to July 2012, we conducted this questionnaire survey with mothers at 3- and 4-month checkups for infants. The response rate was 75.1%. The sample for analysis included responses of 2246 mothers, excluding single mothers.ResultsRespondents comprised 47 (2.1%) stepfamilies and 2199 (97.9%) non-stepfamilies. There were significantly higher rates of parents with not more than a high school education and ≥3 children among stepfamilies compared with non-stepfamilies. Stepfamily mothers had significantly higher rates of feeling a lack of economic resources, absence of participation in childbirth education classes, smoking during pregnancy, and unplanned pregnancy. Furthermore, they also had significantly higher rates of depression and a lack of confidence in the parent role. Maternal depression was associated with factors such as maternal age, self-perceived health, stress level, confidence in breastfeeding, confidence in the parent role, and number of children.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that stepfamilies exhibit many characteristics related to social disadvantage and problems with community-based health care in Japan. Healthcare providers should be aware of stepfamily mothers’ support needs and should put in place a support system for stepfamilies. Moreover, compared with non-stepfamily mothers, stepfamily mothers have a significantly higher prevalence of depression. However, stepfamily composition does not necessarily increase the risk of maternal depression. Therefore, healthcare providers should put in place a system for obtaining more thorough information about stepfamilies and conduct an early assessment to identify their support needs.

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Stepparents and Parenting Stress: The Roles of Gender, Marital Quality, and Views about Gender Roles

Cited by 33 publications

References 64 publications

Relationships between work–family dynamics and parenting experiences: a dyadic analysis of dual-earner couples

Relationships between work–family dynamics and parenting experiences: a dyadic analysis of dual-earner couples

African American Stepfather–Stepchild Relationships, Marital Quality, and Mental Health

Characteristics of stepfamilies and maternal mental health compared with non-stepfamilies in Japan

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