title: Consequences of Dating for Post-Divorce Maternal Well-Being.
abstract: Repartnering has been linked to health benefits for mothers, yet few studies have examined relationship quality in this context. According to the divorce-stress-adaptation perspective, relationship quality may influence the relationship between maternal well-being and dating after divorce. The current study examines the consequences of dating, relationship quality, and dating transitions (breaking up and dating new partners) on maternal well-being (negative affect and life satisfaction). Using monthly surveys completed by mothers over a two-year period after filing for divorce, we examined changes in intercepts and slopes of dating status and transitions for maternal well-being while also testing the effects of relationship quality. Mothers entering high-quality relationships were likely to report boosts in well-being at relationship initiation compared to single mothers and mothers entering low-quality relationships. Mothers entering lower-quality relationships were likely to report lower levels of well-being than single mothers. Dating transitions were associated with increases in well-being. Implications for maternal adjustment are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Nebraska-Kearney.
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Langlais
authors.affiliation: University of Texas at Austin.
authors.forename: Edward R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.affiliation: University of Texas at Austin.
authors.forename: Shannon M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Greene
keywords: Adult outcomes; divorce; relationship quality; well-being