Remarriage: parental perceptions of steprelations with children and adolescents

This study was designed to determine if relationships between stepparents and adolescents differed from those between stepparents and younger children. Utilizing a questionnaire developed by Duberman, responses from remarried couples (N-50) were used to determine a steprelationship score for each child. The scores for children under age 13 and 13 and over both at the time of the parental marriage termination and the remarriage were compared. Chi-square techniques were used in the data analysis. No significant differences were found between the two groups. The results of this study suggest that factors, other than the child's age, may influence the steprelationship. Possibilities suggested include unresolved conflicts in the child and/or parents, the child's relationship with one or both natural parents, or the natural parents' relationship. This population merits further research consideration as society attempts to assimilate the growing number of these families.