Influences on the Role of the Stepfather in Stepfamilies

Abstract

Previous research indicates that the stepparent-child relationship has an important influence on the adjustment of stepfamilies, and in particular on children’s wellbeing. Stepfathers adopt a range of roles in regard to their stepchildren, and some roles appear to be more adaptive than others. This qualitative study aimed to understand stepfathers’ perceptions about the stepfather role, and examine the influences that shape the kinds of roles that stepfathers develop in stepfamilies. A sample of 86 stepfathers, living in New Zealand with their stepchildren (at least some of the time), completed an online questionnaire about their experiences and perceptions of the stepfather role, and the influences that shape their relationships with stepchildren. The questionnaire elicited participants' attitudes about the stepfather role, perceptions about social expectations for their behaviour towards stepchildren, and role models for being a stepfather. Stepfathers were prompted to write about the kinds of roles they had and the influences that shaped their roles. Participants were also asked about their experiences of seeking advice about being a stepfather, or their reasons for not doing so. Thematic and categorical analyses were conducted on the qualitative data collected. The results indicate that there remains significant lack of clarity about what role a stepfather should play from a societal perspective, and variation in the kinds of roles stepfathers develop in stepfamilies. Three role types were identified in the data: a father-like role, a supportive adult role, and an uninvolved role. The roles taken by stepfathers were influenced by several salient factors: stepfathers’ own attitudes and experiences, alignment or misalignment with their partners about their roles, the receptiveness of stepchildren, the involvement of biological fathers, and, to a lesser extent, perceived endorsement or opposition from extended family and society more broadly. These findings are discussed in terms of existing knowledge about stepfather roles, and a preliminary model of the influences on stepfather roles is presented. This study contributes to the existing body of stepfamily research, and provides discussion on the implications for clinical practice and future research directions.