Adolescents’ Perceptions of Family Belonging in Stepfamilies

Valarie King, Pennsylvania State University
Lisa Boyd, Pennsylvania State University
Maggie L. Thorsen, Pennsylvania State University

Prior research has established that adolescents’ perceptions of family belonging are associated with a range of well-being indicators, and that adolescents in stepfamilies report lower levels of family belonging than adolescents in two-biological parent families. Yet, we know little regarding what factors are associated with adolescents’ perceptions of family belonging in stepfamilies. The current study addresses this issue by using nationally representative data (Add Health) to examine the associations between an array of family characteristics and adolescents’ perceptions of family belonging in stepfather families (N = 2085). Results from structural equation models suggest that mothers can play an especially important role in helping adolescents in stepfamilies feel they belong. In addition, Hispanic adolescents reported significantly higher levels of family belonging than White and Black adolescents, despite the fact that they were not more likely to report having positive ties to mothers or stepfathers.