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Citation

Jensen, Todd M. (2022). Stepparent-Child Relationships and Child Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Family Nursing, 28(4), 321-340.

Abstract

An inclusive conceptualization of "family" can enable family-serving systems and professionals to leverage high-quality family relationships, wherever they are found, to support the health and well-being of individuals. Stepfamilies are an especially common family form with distinct needs and experiences, and stepparent-child relationships can take on a variety of functions with implications for family stability and individual well-being. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize empirical associations between stepparent-child relationships and child outcomes. General findings from 56 studies highlighted significant associations between several dimensions of stepparent-child relationships and children's psychological, behavioral, social, academic, and physical well-being. Meta-analytic findings from 68 effect-size estimates further substantiated significant and positive associations between stepparent-child relationship quality and child psychological well-being (mean r = .25) and academic well-being (mean r = .23), as well as significant and negative associations between stepparent-child relationship quality and child psychological problems (mean r = -.23) and behavioral problems (mean r = -.19).

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/10748407221097460

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2022

Journal Title

Journal of Family Nursing

Author(s)

Jensen, Todd M.

Article Type

Regular

ORCiD

Jensen T - 0000-0002-6930-899X