The Antecedents and Consequences of Adolescents' Relationships With Stepfathers and Nonresident Fathers

Author: King, Valarie

Source: Journal of Marriage and Family, Volume 68, Number 4, November 2006 , pp. 910-928(19)

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Abstract:

Using data from a sample of 1,149 adolescents in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health who have both a resident stepfather and a nonresident biological father, this study examines the prevalence, antecedents, and consequences of adolescents' closeness to their stepfathers and nonresident fathers. Findings demonstrate that adolescents vary greatly in their likelihood of having close relationships with one or both of their fathers, but when they do so, they appear to benefit. Close relationships with both stepfathers and nonresident fathers are associated with better adolescent outcomes, with ties to stepfathers being somewhat more influential than ties to nonresident fathers.

Keywords: adolescents; child well-being; nonresident fathers; relationship quality; stepfathers

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2006.00304.x

Publication date: 2006-11-01