Stepfathers may influence their adolescents' development differently from biological fathers or stepmothers due to unique factors such as biological relatedness, social expectations, and family dynamics.
In a recent study, NYU Shanghai postgraduate Yixuan Cui (now at Harvard University) collaborated with Dr. Xuan Li (now at the University of Copenhagen) and supervisor Dr. Thomas J. Nyman (now at the University of Reading) to systematically review the impact of stepfathers on the well-being of adolescents. Published in Marriage & Family Review, the study synthesizes findings from 29 empirical studies to examine how stepfathers influence adolescent well-being. The review reveals that adolescents in stepfather families often experience less favourable socioemotional and behavioural outcomes compared to those in two-biological-parent families. However, it also highlights that positive stepfather involvement—such as shared activities and supportive interactions—can benefit the well-being of adolescents, particularly when supported by maternal involvement and a positive mother-stepfather relationship.
This comprehensive review, completed primarily at NYU Shanghai, emphasizes the need to better understand the role of stepfathers and develop strategies to support diverse family structures.
Citation: Cui, Y., Li, X., & Nyman, T. J. (2024). Stepfathers and Adolescent Well-Being: A Systematic Literature Review. Marriage & Family Review, 1–34. https://doi.org/10.1080/01494929.2024.240153