This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Google Scholar Articles by Johnson, A. J. Articles by Haigh, M. M. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

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

University of Oklahoma, amyjj{at}ou.edu

Kevin B. Wright

University of Oklahoma

Elizabeth A. Craig

University of Oklahoma

Eileen S. Gilchrist

University of Wyoming

Lindsay T. Lane

University of Oklahoma

Michel M. Haigh

Pennsylvania State University

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.

Key Words: household chores • marital satisfaction • social support • stepfamilies • stepmother • stress

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?