Child well-being in diverse family structures: a focus on complex stepfamilies

Abstract

In the context of increasing divorce rates, much attention has been paid to children’s well-being in separated single-parent and stepfamilies. However, the heterogeneity and variations in complexity in stepfamilies have long been neglected. Based on data from the representative survey “Growing up in Germany” (2009, N = 2144), the present study compares the self-reported psychological well-being of children (9–12 years), assessed with the Strenghts and Difficulties Questionaire (SDQ), in nuclear, single-mother, simple stepfather families, and complex stepfamilies (with at least one joint child). The findings suggest disadvantages for children’s well-being in single-mother and complex stepfamilies which can largely be accounted for by the lower level of family cohesion and increased family conflict reported by these children when compared to children in nuclear families. No disadvantages were found for children in simple stepfather-families. The findings are interpreted with respect to the diverse risks and challenges involved in managing not only single parenthood but also increased family complexity.