Ease of retrieval of role attributes predicts role clarity which, in turn, predicts outcomes among stepparents

Abstract

Stepfamilies are a common familial structure in the United States; however, members of stepfamilies are at risk for various adverse outcomes. The present research sought to examine the experiences of stepparents as one window into stepfamily functioning. Past research suggests that a lack of stepparent role clarity correlates with lower overall identity clarity and worse personal and relational well-being evaluations. The current work utilized an ease of retrieval manipulation to reduce stepparent role clarity across two studies of stepparents (total N = 545). Manipulated role clarity predicted reduced self-concept clarity, personal well-being evaluations, romantic relationship evaluations, and quality of stepparent-stepchild relationships. Furthermore, reduced role clarity mediated direct associations between the manipulation and outcomes of interest. Taken together, these findings demonstrate causal connections between stepparents knowing their role within their families and more positive personal and relational well-being outcomes, suggesting that role clarity might be one pathway to promoting stable, functional stepfamilies.