2015/02/12 by Todd M. Jensen, Matthew O. Howard · 64 citations
Medicine · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Assisted Reproductive Technology and Twin Pregnancy #Developmental psychology #Family Dynamics and Relationships #Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving #Perception #Psychology #Quality (philosophy) #Sample (material) #Stepfamily
paper · doi:10.1080/01494929.2015.1006717
published in Marriage & Family Review 51(2), 99-153 (Taylor & Francis)
crossref issued 2015/02/12 · crossref published 2015/02/12 · crossref published-online 2015/02/12 · openalex publication_date 2015/02/12 · crossref created 2015/02/12 · crossref published-print 2015/02/17 · crossref deposited 2019/08/20 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · crossref indexed 2026/08/01 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/02
Stepfamily scholars have emphasized the importance of including stepchildren in the analysis and discussion of stepfamily life. This systematic review synthesized recent research examining predictors/correlates of stepparent–child relationship quality from the viewpoint of stepchildren in the United States. Five bibliographic databases were searched, resulting in 631 potentially relevant studies for review. Manual searches of three prominent family studies journals were also conducted. Screening and eligibility assessment based on a priori inclusion criteria yielded a final sample of 23 studies, including published studies and reports found in the “gray” literature. Significant predictors/correlates associated with stepchildren's perceptions of stepparent–child relationship quality were grouped into the following conceptual domains: individual characteristics, family characteristics, features of (step)parent–child interactions, and stepcouple dynamics. Limitations, implications, and future research directions are discussed.