Stepparent–Child Relationships and Child Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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).