African American Stepfather–Stepchild Relationships, Marital Quality, and Mental Health. Issue 6 (17th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bryant, Chalandra M.; Futris, Ted G.; Hicks, Megan R.; Lee, Tae-Kyoung; Oshri, Assaf
• Is Part Of: Journal of divorce & remarriage. Volume 57:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 375
• Page End: 388
• Publication Date: 2016-08-17
• Subjects: African Americans -- depressive symptoms -- marital interactions -- marital quality -- mental health -- stepfamilies -- stepfathers; Divorce -- Law and legislation -- United States -- Periodicals; Divorce -- Periodicals; Remarriage -- Periodicals; 306.89
• DOI: 10.1080/10502556.2016.1196852
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1050-2556

Abstract

ABSTRACT: 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.