A model for predicting stress levels and marital satisfaction for stepmothers utilizing a stress and coping approach

Amy Janan Johnson, Kevin B. Wright, Elizabeth A. Craig, Eileen S. Gilchrist, Lindsay T. Lane, Michel M. Haigh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Drawing from a stress and coping framework and previous research regarding stepfamilies, the researchers develop and test a theoretical model predicting stepmother stress and marital satisfaction. Factors in the model include residency of the stepmother's stepchildren, whether the stepmother has biological children, social support resources, role clarity, and responsibility for household chores and stepchild care. The results indicate that the data fit the model well. By examining all of these variables in a model several advantages are achieved, including integrating and extending prior research findings on stepfamilies, comparing the relative strengths of these variables in their relationship with stress and satisfaction, and illustrating factors that can be targeted to encourage the viability of the various types of stepmother-father couples.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)119-142
Number of pages24
JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2008

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Social Psychology
  • Communication
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Sociology and Political Science

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