Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Pathways to Stepfamily Living

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Stepfamily Relationships

Abstract

Why do various pathways to stepfamily formation matter? Stepfamilies are formed in many ways—after death, after divorce, after cohabitations, when lone, never-married parents repartner. The pathways to stepfamily living matter because they are important contexts within which stepfamily relationships are created, developed, and maintained. In this chapter we examine common pathways to stepfamily living—postdivorce, following bereavement, after the separation of never-married cohabiting partners, and when never-married lone parents repartner. Serial unions and multiple partner fertility are examined, as are the implications of these pathways for new stepfamily relationships (e.g., co-parenting, stepparent–stepchild bonds).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Afifi, T. D. (2003). ‘Feeling caught’ in stepfamilies: Managing boundary turbulence through appropriate communication privacy rules. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 20, 729–755.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Afifi, T. D., & Schrodt, P. (2003a). “Feeling caught” as a mediator of adolescents’ and young adults’ avoidance and satisfaction with their parents in divorced and non-divorced households. Communication Monographs, 70, 142–173.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Afifi, T. D., & Schrodt, P. (2003b). Uncertainty and the avoidance of the state of one’s family in stepfamilies, postdivorce single-parent families, and first-marriage families. Human Communication Research, 29, 516–532.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahrons, C. R. (1980). Divorce: A crisis of family transition and change. Family Relations, 29, 533–540.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahrons, C. R. (1994). The good divorce. New York: HarperCollins.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ahrons, C. R. (2006). Family ties after divorce: Long-term implications for children. Family Process, 46, 53–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allan, G., Crow, G., & Hawker, S. (2011). Stepfamilies. London: Palgrave.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Amato, P. R. (2004). To have and have not: Marriage and divorce in the United States. In M. Coleman & L. Ganong (Eds.), Handbook of contemporary families: Considering the past, contemplating the future (pp. 265–281). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Amato, P. R. (2010). Research on divorce: Continuing trends and new development. Journal of Marriage and Family, 72, 650–666.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amato, P. R., & Afifi, T. D. (2006). Feeling caught between parents: Adult children’s relations with parents and subjective well-being. Journal of Marriage and Family, 68, 222–235.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amato, P. R., Booth, A., Johnson, D. R., & Rogers, S. J. (2007). Alone together: How marriage in America is changing. Cambridge, MA: Harvard.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amato, P. R., & Gilbreth, J. G. (1999). Nonresident fathers and children’s well-being: A meta-analysis. Journal of Marriage and Family, 61, 557–573. doi:10.2307/353560.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amato, P. R., & Hohmann-Marriott, B. (2007). A comparison of high- and low-distress marriages that end in divorce. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69, 621–638.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amato, P. R., Kane, J. B., & James, S. (2011). Reconsidering the “good divorce”. Family Relations, 60, 511–524. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3729.2011.00666.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amato, P. R., & Previti, D. (2003). People’s reasons for divorcing: Gender, social class, the life course, and adjustment. Journal of Family Issues, 24, 602–626.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amato, P. R., & Sobolewski, J. M. (2004). The effects of divorce on fathers and children. In M. E. Lamb (Ed.), The role of father in child development (pp. 341–367). New Jersey: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baum, N. (2004). Typology of post-divorce parental relationships and behaviors. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 41(3/4), 53–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beckmeyer, J., Coleman, M., & Ganong, L. (2014). Post-divorce coparenting typologies and children’s adjustment. Family Relations, 63, 526–537. doi:10.1111/fare.12086.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beier, L., Hofacker, D., Marchese, E., & Rupp, M. (2010). Family structures and family forms—An overview of major trends and developments working report. European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berger, L. M., Carlson, M. J., Bzostek, S. H., & Osborne, C. (2008). Parenting practices of resident fathers: The role of marital and biological ties. Journal of Marriage and Family, 70, 625–639.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Binstock, G., & Thornton, A. (2003). Separations, reconciliations, and living apart in cohabiting and marital unions. Journal of Marriage and Family, 65, 432–443.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bishop, S. L., & Cain, A. C. (2003). Widowed young parents: Changing perspectives on remarriage and cohabitation rates and their determinants. OMEGA, 47, 299–312.

    Google Scholar 

  • Black, L. E., Eastwood, M. M., Sprenkle, D. H., & Smith, E. (1991). An exploratory analysis of the construct of Leavers versus left as it relates to Levinger’s social exchange theory of attractions, barriers, and alternative attractions. Journal of Divorce, 15, 127–139.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blackwell, A., & Dawe, F. (2003). Non-residential parental contact final report. Social and Vital Statistics Division. London, England: ONS.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonach, K. (2005). Factors contributing to quality coparenting: Implications for family policy. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 43, 79–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Booth, A., & Amato, P. R. (2001). Parental predivorce relations and offspring postdivorce well-being. Journal of Marriage and Family, 63, 197–212.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brent, D., Melhem, N., Donohoe, M. B., & Walker, M. (2009). The incidence and course of depression in bereaved youth 21 months after the loss of a parent to suicide, accident, or sudden natural death. American Journal of Psychiatry, 166, 786–794. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2009.08081244.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brody, G. H., Neubaum, E., & Forehand, R. (1988). Serial marriage: A heuristic analysis of an emerging family form. Psychological Bulletin, 103, 211–222.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, S. L. (2004). Family structure and child well-being: The significance of parental cohabitation. Journal of Marriage and Family, 66, 351–367. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2004.00025.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, S. L. (2006). Family structure transitions and adolescent well-being. Demography, 43, 447–461.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, S., & Booth, A. (1996). Cohabitation versus marriage: A comparison of relationship quality. Journal of Marriage and Family, 58, 668–678.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Browning, S., & Artelt, E. (2012). Stepfamily therapy: A 10-step clinical approach. Washington, DC: APA.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Buchanan, C. M., Maccoby, E. E., & Dornbusch, S. M. (1996). Adolescents after divorce. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bumpass, L., & Raley, K. (2007). Measuring separation and divorce. In S. L. Hofferth & L. M. Casper (Eds.), Handbook of measurement issues in family research (pp. 125–143). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bzostek, S. H. (2008). Social fathers and child well-being. Journal of Marriage and Family, 70, 950–961. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2008.00538.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burton, L. M., & Hardaway, C. R. (2012). Low‐income mothers as “othermothers” to their romantic partners’ children: Women’s coparenting in multiple partner fertility relationships. Family Process, 51, 343–359. doi:10.1111/j.1545-5300.2012.01401.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cancian, M., Meyer, D. R., & Cook, S. T. (2011). The evolution of family complexity from the perspective of nonmarital children. Demography, 48, 957–982. doi:10.1007/s13524-011-0041-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Capaldi, D. M., & Patterson, G. R. (1991). Relation of parental transitions to boys’ adjustment problems: I. A linear hypotheses. II. Mothers at risk for transitions and unskilled parenting. Developmental Psychology, 27, 489–504.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carlson, M. (2006). Family structure, father involvement, and adolescent behavioral outcomes. Journal of Marriage and Family, 68, 137–154. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2006.00239.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carlson, M. J., & Corcoran, M. E. (2001). Family structure and children’s behavioral and cognitive outcomes. Journal of Marriage and Family, 63, 779–792. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2001.00779.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carlson, M. J., & Furstenberg, F. F., Jr. (2006). The prevalence and correlates of multipartnered fertility among urban U.S. parents. Journal of Marriage and Family, 68, 718–732.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cavanagh, S. E., & Huston, A. C. (2006). Family instability and children’s early problem behavior. Social Forces, 85, 551–581. doi:10.1353/sof.2006.0120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cerel, J., Jordan, J. R., & Duberstein, P. R. (2008). The impact of suicide on the family. Crisis, 29, 38–44. doi:10.1027/0227-5910.29.1.38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Charvoz, L., Bodenmann, G., Bertoni, A., Iafrate, R., & Giuliani, C. (2008). Is the partner who decides to divorce more attractive? A comparison between initiators and noninitiators. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 50, 22–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cherlin, A. (1978). Remarriage as an incomplete institution. American Journal of Sociology, 84, 634–650.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coleman, M., Ganong, L., Russell, L., & Frye, N. (2015). Stepchildren’s views about former steprelationships following stepfamily dissolution. Journal of Marriage and Family, 77, 775–790. doi:10.1111/jomf.12182.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coley, R. L., & Medeiros, B. L. (2007). Reciprocal longitudinal relations between nonresident father involvement and adolescent delinquency. Child Development, 78, 132–147. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2007.00989.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cowan, C. P., Cowan, P. A., Pruett, M. K., & Pruett, K. (2007). An approach to preventing coparenting conflict and divorce in low-income families: Strengthening couple relationships and fostering fathers’ involvement. Family Process, 46, 109–121. doi:10.1111/j.1545-5300.2006.00195.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crosbie-Burnett, M. (1984). The centrality of the step relationship: A challenge to family theory and practice. Family Relations, 33, 459–464.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crosnoe, R., & Wildsmith, E. (2011). Nonmarital fertility, family structure, and the early school achievement of young children from different race/ethnic and immigration groups. Applied Developmental Science, 15, 156–170. doi:10.1080/10888691.2011.587721.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cummings, E. M., & Davies, P. T. (2002). Effects of marital conflict on children: Recent advances and emerging themes in process-oriented research. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 43, 31–63. doi:10.1111/1469-7610.00003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeLeire, T., & Kalil, A. (2005). How do cohabiting couples with children spend their money? Journal of Marriage and Family, 67, 286–295. doi:10.1111/j.0022-2445.2005.00116.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dunifon, R., & Kowaleski-Jones, L. (2002). Who’s in the house? Race differences in cohabitation, single parenthood, and child development. Child Development, 73, 1249–1264. doi:10.1111/1467-8624.00470.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edin, K. J., & Kefalas, M. (2005). Promises I can keep. Berkeley, CA: University of California.

    Google Scholar 

  • Emery, R. E. (2012). Renegotiating family relationships: Divorce, child custody, and mediation (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evenson, R. J., & Simon, R. W. (2005). Clarifying the relationship between parenthood and depression. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 46, 341–358.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fabricius, W. V., & Luecken, L. J. (2007). Postdivorce living arrangements, parent conflict, and long-term physical health correlates for children of divorce. Journal of Family Psychology, 21, 195–205. doi:10.1037/0893-3200.21.2.195.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fomby, P., & Cherlin, A. J. (2007). Family instability and child well-being. American Sociological Review, 72, 181–204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fomby, P., & Estacion, A. (2011). Cohabitation and children’s externalizing behavior in low-income Latino families. Journal of Marriage and Family, 73, 46–66. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00788.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ganong, L., & Coleman, M. (1988). Do mutual children cement bonds in stepfamilies? Journal of Marriage and Family, 50, 687–698.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ganong, L., Coleman, M., & Chapman, A. (2016). Gatekeeping after separation and divorce. In L. Drozd & M. Saini (Eds.), Parenting plan evaluations: Applied research for the family court (2nd ed.). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ganong, L., Coleman, M., Feistman, R., Jamison, T., & Markham, M. (2012). Communication technology and post-divorce coparenting. Family Relations, 61, 397–409.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ganong, L. H., Coleman, M., & Jamison, T. (2011). Patterns of stepchild-stepparent relationship development. Journal of Marriage and Family, 73, 396–413. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00814.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ganong, L., Coleman, M., Jamison, T., & Feistman, R. (2015). Divorced mothers’ coparental boundary maintenance after parents re-partner. Journal of Family Psychology, 29, 221–231. doi:10.1037/fam0000064.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ganong, L., Coleman, M., Markham, M., & Rothrauff, T. (2011). Predicting post-divorce coparenting communication. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 52, 1–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ganong, L., Coleman, M., & Russell, L. (2015). Children in diverse families. In M. H. Bornstein & T. Leventhal (Eds.), Handbook of child psychology and developmental science volume 4: ecological settings and processes in developmental systems (pp. 133–174). New York: Wiley. doi:10.1002/9781118963418.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldberg, A. E., & Sayer, A. (2006). Lesbian couples’ relationship quality across the transition to parenthood. Journal of Marriage and Family, 68, 87–100.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, D. N., Amato, P. R., & King, V. (2007). Nonresident father involvement and adolescent well-being: Father effects or child effects? American Sociology Review, 72, 990–1010.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hetherington, E. M., & Kelly, J. (2002). For better or for worse. New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jamison, T., Coleman, M., Ganong, L., & Feistman, R. (2014). Transitioning to post-divorce family life: A grounded theory investigation of resilience in coparenting. Family Relations, 63, 411–423. doi:10.1111/fare.12074.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kalil, A., Mogstad, M., Rege, M., & Vortuba, M. (2011). Divorced father’s proximity and children’s long-run outcomes: Evidence from Norwegian registry data. Demography, 48, 1005–1027.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaplow, J. B., Layne, C. M., Pynoos, R. S., Cohen, J. A., & Lieberman, A. (2012). DSM-V diagnostic criteria for bereavement-related disorders in children and adolescents: Developmental considerations. Psychiatry, 75, 243–266. doi:10.1521/psyc.2012.75.3.243.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, J. B. (2007). Children’s living arrangements following separation and divorce: Insights from empirical and clinical research. Family Process, 46(1), 35–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kendig, S. M., & Bianchi, S. M. (2008). Single, cohabiting, and married mothers’ time with children. Journal of Marriage and Family, 70, 1228–1240. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2008.00562.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kennedy, S., & Bumpass, L. (2008). Cohabitation and children’s living arrangements: New estimates from the United States. Demographic Research, 19, 1663–1692. doi:10.4054/DemRes.2008.19.47.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, H. K., & McKenry, P. C. (2000). Relationship transitions as seen in the national survey of families and households. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 34, 163–167.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King, V., & Heard, H. (1999). Nonresident father visitation, parental conflict, and mother’s satisfaction: What’s best for child well-being? Journal of Marriage and Family, 61, 385–396.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King, V. (2006). The antecedents and consequences of adolescents’ relationships with stepfathers and nonresident fathers. Journal of Marriage and Family, 68, 910–928. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2006.00304.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King, V. (2009). Stepfamily formation: Implications for adolescent ties to mothers, nonresident fathers, and stepfathers. Journal of Marriage and Family, 71, 954–968. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2009.00646.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King, V., & Sobolewski, J. M. (2006). Nonresident fathers’ contributions to adolescent well-being. Journal of Marriage and Family, 68, 537–557. doi:10.2307/353756.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klausli, J. F., & Owen, M. T. (2009). Stable maternal cohabitation, couple relationship quality, and characteristics of the home environment in the child’s first two years. Journal of Family Psychology, 23, 103–106. doi:10.1037/a0014588.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knoester, C., & Booth, A. (2000). Barriers to divorce - When are they effective? When are they not? Journal of Family Issues, 21, 78–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kurdek, L. A., & Fine, M. A. (1993a). Parent and nonparent residential family members as providers of warmth and supervision to young adolescents. Journal of Family Psychology, 7, 245–249.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lambert, A. (2007). Perceptions of divorce advantages and disadvantages: A comparison of adult children experiencing one parental divorce versus multiple parental divorces. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 48(1-2), 55–77.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lansford, J. E., Ceballo, R., Abbey, A., & Stewart, A. J. (2001). Does family structure matter? A comparison of adoptive, two-parent biological, single-mother, stepfather, and stepmother households. Journal of Marriage and Family, 63, 840–851.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lansford, J. E. (2009). Parental divorce and children’s adjustment. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 4, 140–152.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lansford, J. E., Malone, P. S., Castellino, D. R., Dodge, K. A., Pettit, G. S., & Bates, J. E. (2006). Trajectories of internalizing, externalizing, and grades for children who have and have not experienced their parents’ divorce or separation. Journal of Family Psychology, 20, 292–301. doi:10.1037/0893-3200.20.2.292.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin, K. K., Sandler, I. N., Ayers, T. S., Wolchik, S. A., & Luecken, L. J. (2004). Resilience in parentally bereaved children and adolescents seeking preventive services. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 33, 673–683. doi:10.1207/s15374424jccp3304_3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, S. H., & Heiland, F. (2012). Should we get married? The effect of parents’ marriage on out-of-wedlock children. Economic Inquiry, 50, 17–38. doi:10.1111/j.1465-7295.2010.00248.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lorenz, F. O., Wickrama, K. A. S., Conger, R. D., & Elder, G. H. (2006). The short-term and decade-long effects of divorce on women’s midlife health. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 47, 111–125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luecken, L. J., & Roubinov, D. S. (2012). Pathways to lifespan health following childhood parental death. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 6, 243–257. doi:10.1111/j.1751-9004.2011.00422.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Madden-Derdich, D. A., & Leonard, S. A. (2000). Parental role identity and fathers’ involvement after divorce: Fathers’ perspectives. Family Relations, 49, 311–318. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3729.2000.00311.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Madden-Derdich, D. A., & Leonard, S. A. (2002). Shared experiences, unique realities: Formerly married mothers’ and fathers’ perceptions of parenting and custody after divorce. Family Relations, 51, 37–45. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3729.2002.00037.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manning, W. D., & Brown, S. L. (2013). Cohabiting fathers. In N. J. Cabrera & C. S. Tamis-LeMonda (Eds.), Handbook of father involvement: Multidisciplinary perspectives (pp. 281–294). New York, NY: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Manning, W. D., & Smock, P. J. (2000). “Swapping” families: Serial parenting and economic support for children. Journal of Marriage and Family, 62, 111–122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manning, W. D., Smock, P. J., & Majumdar, D. (2004). The relative stability of cohabiting and marital unions for children. Population Research and Policy Review, 23, 135–159. doi:10.1023/B:POPU.0000019916.29156.a7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manning, W. D., Stewart, S. D., & Smock, P. J. (2003). The complexity of fathers’ parenting responsibilities and involvement with nonresident children. Journal of Family Issues, 24, 645–667.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Markham, M., & Coleman, M. (2012). The good, the bad, and the ugly: Divorced mothers experiences with co-parenting. Family Relations, 61, 586–600.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Markham, M., Ganong, L., & Coleman, M. (2007). Coparental identity and mothers’ cooperation in coparental relationships. Family Relations, 56, 369–377. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3729.2007.00466.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marsiglio, W. (2004). When stepfathers claim stepchildren: A conceptual analysis. Journal of Marriage and Family, 66, 22–39. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2004.00002.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martin, J. A., Hamilton, B. E., Sutton, P. D., Ventura, S. J., Mathews, T. J., Kirmeyer, S., et al. (2009). Births: Final data for 2007. National Vital Statistics Reports, 58, 1–125.

    Google Scholar 

  • McClain, L. R., & DeMaris, A. (2013). A better deal for cohabiting fathers?” Union status differences in father involvement. Fathering, 11, 199–220. doi:10.3149/fth.1102.199.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McLanahan, S. S. (1997). Parental absence or poverty: Which matters more? In G. J. Duncan & J. Brooks-Gunn (Eds.), Consequences of Growing up Poor (pp. 35–48). New York: Russell Sage Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • McGene, J., & King, V. (2012). Implications of new marriages and children for coparenting in nonresident father families. Journal of Family Issues, 33(12), 1619–1641.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Melhem, N. M., Porta, G., Shamseddeen, W., Payne, M. W., & Brent, D. (2011). Grief in children and adolescents bereaved by sudden parental death. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68, 911–919. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer, D. R., & Cancian, M. (2012). “I’m not supporting his kids”: Nonresident fathers’ contributions given mothers’ new fertility. Journal of Marriage and Family, 74, 132–151. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2011.00880.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nock, S. L. (1995). A comparison of marriages and cohabiting relationships. Journal of Family Issues, 16, 53–76. doi:10.1177/019251395016001004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osborne, C., & Mclanahan, S. (2007). Partnership instability and child well-being. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69, 1065–1083. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2007.00431.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Papernow, P. (2013). Surviving and thriving in stepfamily relationships: What works and what doesn’t. New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perrig-Chiello, P., Hutchison, S., & Morselli, D. (2015). Patterns of psychological adaptation to divorce after a long-term marriage. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 32, 386–405.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Petts, R. J. (2009). Family and religious characteristics’ influence on delinquency trajectories from adolescence to young adulthood. American Sociological Review, 74, 465–483. doi:10.1177/000312240907400307.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pollet, S. L., & Lombregalia, M. (2008). A nationwide survey of mandatory parent education. Family Court Review, 46, 375–408. doi:10.1111/j.1744-1617.2008.00207.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pruett, M. K., Arthur, L. A., & Ebling, R. (2007). The hand that rocks the cradle: Maternal gatekeeping after divorce. Pace Law Review, 27, 709–739. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.pace.edu/plr/vol27/iss4/8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Price, S. J., & McKenry, P. C. (1988). Divorce. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raley, R. K., & Wildsmith, E. (2004). Cohabitation and children’s family instability. Journal of Marriage and Family, 66, 210–219. doi:10.1111/j.0022-2445.2004.00014.x-i1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roy, K. M., & Dyson, O. L. (2005). Gatekeeping in context: Babymama drama and the involvement of incarcerated fathers. Fathering, 3, 289–310. doi:10.3149/fth.0303.289.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sandler, I., Miles, J., Cookston, J. T., & Braver, S. L. (2008). Effects of father and mother parenting on children’s mental health in high- and low-conflict divorces. Family Court Review, 46, 282–296. doi:10.1111/j.1744-1617.2008.00201.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sarkadi, A., Kristiansson, R., Oberklaid, F., & Bremberg, S. (2008). Fathers’ involvement and children’s developmental outcomes: A systematic review of longitudinal studies. Acta Paediatrica, 97, 153–158.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schmeer, K. K. (2011). The child health disadvantage of parental cohabitation. Journal of Marriage and Family, 73, 181–193. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00797.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schroeder, R. D., Osgood, A. K., & Oghia, M. J. (2010). Family transitions and juvenile delinquency. Sociological Inquiry, 80, 579–604. doi:10.1111/j.1475-682X.2010.00351.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shafer, K., Jensen, T. M., Pace, G. T., & Larson, L. H. (2013). Former spouse ties and postivorce relationship quality: Relationship effort as a mediator. Journal of Social Service Research, 39(5), 629–645.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siodia, C. (2014). Married once, twice, and three or more times: Data from the American Community Survey. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 55, 206–215. doi:10.1080/10502556.2014.887377.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smock, P. J., & Greenland, F. R. (2010). Diversity in pathways to parenthood: Patterns, implications, and emerging research directions. Journal of Marriage and Family, 72, 576–593. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00719.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sobolewski, J. M., & King, V. (2005). The importance of the coparental relationship for nonresident fathers’ ties to children. Journal of Marriage and Family, 67, 1196–1212. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2005.00210.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • South, S. S., & Lloyd, K. M. (1995). Spousal alternative and marital resolution. American Sociological Review, 60, 21–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stanley, S. M., Rhoades, G. K., Amato, P. R., Markman, H. J., & Johnson, C. A. (2010). The timing of cohabitation and engagement: Impact on first and second marriages. Journal of Marriage and Family, 72, 906–918.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stephens, L. S. (1996). Will Johnny see daddy this week? An empirical test of three theoretical perspectives of postdivorce contact. Journal of Family Issues, 17, 466–494.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun, Y., & Li, Y. (2001). Marital disruption, parental investment, and children’s academic achievement: A prospective analysis. Journal of Family Issues, 22, 27–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun, Y., & Li, Y. (2002). Children’s well-being during parent’s marital disruption process: A pooled time-series analysis. Journal of Marriage and Family, 64, 742–762.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sweeney, M. (2002). Remarriage and the nature of divorce. Journal of Family Issues, 23, 410–440.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sweeney, M. M. (2007). Stepfather families and the emotional well-being of adolescents. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 48, 33–49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tach, L., Mincy, R., & Edin, K. (2010). Parenting as a “package deal”: Relationships, fertility, and nonresident father involvement among unmarried parents. Demography, 47, 181–204. doi:10.1353/dem.0.0096.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Troilo, J., & Coleman, M. (2012). Nonresidential fathers’ identities after divorce. Family Relations, 61, 601–614.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Census Bureau. (2011) Living arrangements of children under 18 years and marital status of parents, by age, sex, race, and hispanic origin, and selected characteristics of the child for all children. Current Population Survey: Annual Social and Economic Supplement: Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vaughn, D. (1986). Uncoupling. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Visher, E. B., & Visher, J. S. (1979). Stepfamilies: A guide to working with stepparents and stepchildren. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Visher, E. B., & Visher, J. S. (1988). Old loyalties, new ties: Therapeutic strategies with stepfamilies. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Visher, E. B., & Visher, J. S. (1996). Therapy with stepfamilies. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waldfogel, J., Craigie, T., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (2010). Fragile families and child wellbeing. The Future of Children, 20, 87–112. doi:10.1353/foc.2010.0002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waller, M. R. (2012). Cooperation, conflict, or disengagement? Coparenting styles and father involvement in fragile families. Family Process, 51, 325–342.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, H., & Amato, P. R. (2000). Predictors of divorce adjustment: Stressors, resources, and definitions. Journal of Marriage and Family, 62, 655–668.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weaver, S. E., & Coleman, M. (2005). A mothering but not a mother role: A grounded theory study of the nonresidential stepmother role. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 22, 477–497.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weaver, S. E., & Coleman, M. (2010). Caught in the middle: Mothers in stepfamilies. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 27, 305–326.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • White, L. K., & Booth, A. (1991). Divorce over the life course. Journal of Family Issues, 12, 5–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • White, L. K., & Gilbreath, J. G. (2001). When children have two fathers: Effects of relationships with stepfathers and noncustodial fathers on adolescent outcomes. Journal of Marriage and Family, 63, 155–167.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whiteside, M. F. (1998). The parental alliance following divorce: An overview. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 24, 3024.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilcox, H. C., Kuramoto, S. J., Lichtenstein, P., Langstrom, N., Brent, D. A., & Runeson, B. (2010). Psychiatric morbidity, violent crime, and suicide among children and adolescents exposed to parental death. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 49, 514–523. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2010.01.020.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, Z., Hou, F., & Schimmele, C. M. (2008). Family structure and children’s psychosocial outcomes. Journal of Family Issues, 29, 1600–1624. doi:10.1177/0192513X08322818.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu, L. L. (2008). Cohort estimates of nonmarital fertility for U.S. women. Demography, 45, 193–207. doi:10.1353/dem.2008.0001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu, X., Hudspeth, C. D., & Bartkowski, J. P. (2006). The role of cohabitation in remarriage. Journal of Marriage and Family, 68, 261–274.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yamamoto, K., Davis, O. L., Dylak, S., Whittaker, J., Marsh, C., & van der Westhuizen, P. C. (1996). Across six nations: Stressful events in the lives of children. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 26, 139–150. doi:10.1007/BF02353355.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA

    Lawrence Ganong & Marilyn Coleman

Authors
  1. Lawrence Ganong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Marilyn Coleman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Ganong, L., Coleman, M. (2017). Pathways to Stepfamily Living. In: Stepfamily Relationships. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7702-1_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7702-1_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-7700-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-7702-1

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation