The quality of the stepfather–child relationship in sole and joint physical custody

Abstract

Objective

This study examines whether the quality of the stepfather–child relationship differs among sole physical custody (SPC) and joint physical custody (JPC) families and compares the association between the father–child and the stepfather–child relationship across the two physical custody arrangements.

Background

An increasing number of families opt for JPC after separation or divorce. Because children in JPC families spend more time with their biological father than children in mother SPC families, the question arises whether JPC affects the quality of the stepfather–child relationship.

Method

We investigated 279 SPC and 182 JPC stepfather families with children aged 1 to 14 from the Family Models in Germany study. Ordinary least squares regression models and interaction effects were estimated.

Results

The quality of the stepfather–child relationship was generally high in both SPC and JPC families and did not differ between the two arrangements. The father–child relationship was positively, albeit weakly, associated with the stepfather–child relationship in both arrangements, indicating spillover effects.

Conclusion

JPC does not affect the quality of the stepfather–child relationship.

Implications

This study does not provide any evidence that JPC is an ill-suited physical custody arrangement when considering the quality of relationships in stepfamilies.