title: AFRICAN AMERICAN STEPFATHER-STEPCHILD RELATIONSHIPS, MARITAL QUALITY, AND MENTAL HEALTH.
abstract: This study examined associations between stepfather-stepchild relationship quality, stepfathers' depressive symptoms, and two aspects of marriage: marital quality and positive marital interactions. Marital quality was assessed in terms of commitment, trust, passionate and friendship-based love, and happiness. Marital interactions were assessed in terms of intimacy, shared activities, and verbal communication. Using data collected from 149 recently married African American stepfathers, structural equation modeling revealed that when stepfathers reported more positive relationships with their stepchildren, they also reported more positive marital quality and a higher frequency of positive marital interactions (relationship solidifying activities), and that, in turn, was associated with stepfathers experiencing fewer depressive symptoms.
authors.affiliation: 203 Family Science Center, 405 Sanford Drive, (House A), Dept. of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.
authors.forename: Chalandra M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Bryant
authors.affiliation: 227 Hoke Smith Annex, 300 Carlton Street, Dept. of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30621, tfutris@uga.edu.
authors.forename: Ted G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Futris
authors.affiliation: 123 Dawson Hall, 305 Sanford Dr., Dept. of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, hicks303@uga.edu.
authors.forename: Megan R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Hicks
authors.affiliation: 114 Dawson Hall, 305 Sanford Dr., Dept. of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, ltk501@uga.edu.
authors.forename: Tae-Kyoung
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: 203 Family Science Center, 405 Sanford Drive, (House A), Dept. of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, oshri@uga.edu.
authors.forename: Assaf
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Oshri
keywords: African Americans; Depressive Symptoms; Marital Interactions; Marital Quality; Mental Health; Stepfamilies; Stepfathers