Consistency in Perceptions of the Step-Parent Role among Step-Parents, Parents and Stepchildren

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to determine the degree of consistency in stepfamily members' perceptions of the step-parent role, to examine the relation between the degree of consistency in role perceptions and adjustment in stepfamilies, and to determine the extent to which clarity pertaining to the step-parent role was related to adjustment. Step-parents, parents and stepchildren from 40 stepfamilies completed a series of self-report questionnaires pertaining to their perceptions of the step-parent role and multiple levels of adjustment in their stepfamilies. Step-parents and parents perceived that the step-parent should and does play an active parental role, stepchildren were more likely to perceive that the step-parent should assume the less active role of `friend', and consistency in role perceptions was moderately strongly related to the interpersonal dimensions of adjustment in stepfamilies. The findings suggest that stepchildren have differing perceptions of the step-parent role than do their parents and step-parents.