Francesca Adler‐baeder
Biographic Data
| ID | 120888 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Francesca Adler‐baeder |
| GIVEN NAMES | Francesca |
| FAMILY NAME | Adler‐baeder |
| SIGNATURE | BAEDER F A |
| AFFILIATIONS | Auburn University |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-1180-566X |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 35 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 53 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 35 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2005 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 5 |
Racially and economically diverse participants' change in couple‐focused mindfulness following participation in couple relationship education
Objective This study evaluated ELEVATE, an evidence‐based couple relationship education (CRE) program, to explore whether general CRE programs with brief mindfulness components would enhance couple‐focused mindfulness and relationship functioning over time. Background Although mindfulness has been suggested as a significant contributor to relationship functioning and several mindfulness‐based CRE programs have been developed and shown their effec…
A Psychometric Evaluation of the Couples’ Financial Communication Scale: Findings and Implications from Two Large, Diverse Samples
Communicating about finances is essential to develop shared meaning and goals within couple relationships. When couples struggle to discuss finances, they can experience poor couple outcomes. For researchers and clinicians to effectively study and promote healthy couple communication patterns regarding finances, a parsimonious, reliable, and valid measure of couples’ financial communication is needed. This study examined the psychometric utility …
Lessons from the field: Developing and piloting a CRE program for couples with chronic illnesses
Can Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals Benefit From General Couple Relationship Education: Comparative Benefits in Individual and Relational Functioning
Couple relationship education (CRE) programs have been widely implemented across the nation for decades and serve an increasingly diverse population of couples; however, effectiveness studies have continued to focus on the experiences of the “average” participant, thus overlooking the experience of minoritized populations. Few studies have centered on the experiences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals, especially those who identify a…
Healthy couple, better sleep: Exploring connections and changes in couple relationship education participants
Considerable evidence suggests couple relationship education (CRE) programs are effective in improving couples' relationship functioning, yet few studies have examined the implications of CRE programs on indicators of physical health despite substantial research supporting links between relational and physical health. This study utilized a sample of 308 couples randomly assigned to a CRE curriculum to explore the dyadic links between conflict man…
Considering Contextual Influences on Fatherhood Program Participants’ Experiences
The current study assessed multiple changes over 1 year for fatherhood program participants and explored variations in challenges at program start, retention, and improvements in outcomes based on geographic setting, race, and sequencing of services. In a sample of 630 racially diverse fathers, we found enhanced economic vulnerability of urban fathers and Black/other minority fathers, and greater individual and work-related challenges for White f…
Dyadic links between adverse childhood experiences, mindfulness, and relationship quality in a diverse sample of couples
Emerging research finds negative implications of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) for individual relational outcomes. The current study advanced these explorations by utilizing a risk and resilience approach, as well as a family systems framework that considers couple dynamics. We tested the concurrent dyadic links among (ACEs), mindfulness, and relationship quality in a racially and economically diverse sample of different-gender couples ( N…
Social influences predicting involvement in couple relationship education
Exploring the Factor Structure and Concurrent Validity of Two Stepfamily Measures for Japanese Couples
We examined the validity of the Japanese versions of the Revised Questionnaire for Couples in Stepfamilies and the Remarriage Belief Inventory in Japan where social and cultural patterns of divorce and remarriage are substantially different from the West. Participants were 548 married Japanese individuals in stepfamilies. Both scales’ validity, factor structure, and internal consistency were confirmed. The links between remarriage beliefs, marita…
Lessons from the Field. Classroom gender composition in the context of youth relationship education
Validating the Couple Relationship Skills Inventory
Concurrent randomized control trials of the 1‐year efficacy of two couple relationship education programs: Elevate and Couples Connecting Mindfully
A long‐standing university‐community partnership used a longitudinal randomized control trial to implement and evaluate two couple relationship education (CRE) curricula, ELEVATE and Couples Connecting Mindfully (CCM), among an economically and racially diverse population of adult couples. Married and non‐married couples ( n = 929 couples) completed baseline surveys and were randomly assigned to either one of the two program groups or to the cont…
An Evaluation of the Elevate Program for Couples: Considering Vulnerabilities and Relationship Length
Objectives This study investigates the effects of a new research‐informed couple relationship education (CRE) curriculum, ELEVATE, in a diverse sample of 300 adults. Methods Using a quasi‐experimental design and propensity score adjustments, change trajectories were compared over a 6‐month period with multilevel growth‐curve modeling. Variations in outcomes based on income, family harmony, and relationship length were also explored. Results Resul…
Changes in Depressive Symptoms, Physical Symptoms, and Sleep-Wake Problems From Before to During the Covid-19 Pandemic Among Emerging Adults: Inequalities by Gender, Socioeconomic Position, and Race
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emerging adults is of global concern. We examine changes in depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, and sleep-wake problems from before to during the pandemic among college students, and examine inequalities by gender, socioeconomic status (SES), and race ( N =263, 52% Black, 48% White, 53% female). As compared to pre-pandemic levels, increases were evident in depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, and slee…
Efforts to Design, Implement, and Evaluate Community‐Based Education for Stepfamilies: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
Stepfamilies are prevalent and have increased in numbers over the past several decades in the United States. Indications are that these families may experience enhanced vulnerabilities and inequities related to relational, psychological, and physical health outcomes; thus, they represent an important target population for family life educators. Efforts have been made to develop detailed, research‐informed conceptual frameworks to guide best pract…
The dyadic influences of mindfulness on relationship functioning
Using family stress and coping theory, the current study assessed dyadic influences of specific facets of mindfulness ( nonreactivity, acting with awareness, and nonjudgment), accounting for stress levels, on relationship quality and sexual satisfaction in an ethnically and economically diverse sample of 847 married and unmarried heterosexual couples. Results from actor-partner interdependence models indicated a positive association between one's…
Determining Latent Classes of Cumulative Family Structure Experiences in Emerging Adulthood
Using a sample of emerging adults (N = 536), this study examined detailed cumulative family structure spanning birth through emerging adulthood. Latent class analysis was used to determine profiles of cumulative family structure experiences based on measures of family structure measured at 5 time points, duration in current family structure, the number of parent relationship transitions, and the number of sibling transitions. Two distinct stable …
Validating the Remarriage Belief Inventory as a Dyadic Measure for Stepcouples
Stepcouples remain a comparatively understudied group and few established measures specific to these couples exist. The Remarriage Belief Inventory assesses beliefs and attitudes relevant to couple dynamics in stepfamilies and has been validated using samples of individuals. An important next step in instrument development is the examination of the factorial structure for use with husband-wife dyads. Results from a dyadic confirmatory factor anal…
Engagement in Risky Sexual Behavior: Adolescents’ Perceptions of Self and the Parent–Child Relationship Matter
The current study examined associations among parenting practices, adolescents' self-esteem and dating identity exploration, and adolescents' sexual behaviors. Participants were 680 African American and European American sexually experienced adolescents attending public high schools in the southeast. Results indicated that risky sexual behavior was associated positively with parental psychological control, and negatively with self-esteem and dati…
Family Mapping: A Cumulative Measure of Family Structure and Instability
Family structure is an important area of study given the growing rates of family instability. The research, however, is limited due to broad definitions and measurement methods that only consider one time point. Using a sample of young adults (N = 398), our goal was to develop a user-friendly implementation procedure and coding system that efficiently captures a broad range of information. The coding system offered includes multiple levels of det…
Examining Family Structure and Half-Sibling Influence on Adolescent Well-Being
Using data from a statewide education project for adolescents ( N = 736), this study explored family structure of youth in two-parent families and their influence on coping, sexual activity delay, and substance use. Although research in this area has tended to define family structure by the parent-child relationship, this study emphasized variations in family structure based on sibling relatedness. Results indicate differences when examining 'tra…
Exploring the Experiences of Female Emerging Adult Mentors: Building a Conceptual Model
While mentoring programs are prevalent, limited research focused on the mentors’ experiences exist, particularly during critical periods of development. Using a qualitative, grounded theory approach, this study explores the elements of the mentoring experience for a cohort of late adolescent/emerging adult women in a long-term program. Outcomes described were both personal and work related, as well as relationally and individually focused. In add…
Comparing the Experiences of Couples in First Marriages and Remarriages in Couple and Relationship Education
This study examines a diverse sample of married individuals (N = 1,542) in the context of couple and relationship education (CRE). Differences and similarities in participant well-being at baseline and overtime were examined among individuals in first marriages—with and without children from previous relationships—and various types of remarriages utilizing measures of individual, couple, and parental functioning. Additionally, we examined how the…
Malleability of Gender Role Attitudes and Gendered Messages in Couple and Relationship Education
Gender role attitudes influence couple functioning and quality. However, few studies have examined within‐person attitudinal change across life events because gender role attitudes are generally considered stable constructs. Emerging research rooted in theory shows evidence of gender role attitude malleability in adulthood. This study examines whether and how couple and relationship education (CRE) influences gender role attitudes. Although CRE i…
Marital Quality for Men and Women in Stepfamilies: Examining the Role of Economic Pressure, Common Stressors, and Stepfamily-Specific Stressors
Although economic pressure and family stress models have been examined with samples of men and women in first marriages, previous models have neglected to focus on men and women in stepfamilies and to examine stress sources unique to stepfamilies. This study examines the effect of economic pressure on both common stressors and stepfamily-specific stressors and the subsequent effects on negativity, positivity, and marital quality. Results of struc…
Engagement in Risky Sexual Behavior: Adolescents’ Perceptions of Self and the Parent–Child Relationship Matter
The current study examined associations among parenting practices, adolescents' self-esteem and dating identity exploration, and adolescents' sexual behaviors. Participants were 680 African American and European American sexually experienced adolescents attending public high schools in the southeast. Results indicated that risky sexual behavior was associated positively with parental psychological control, and negatively with self-esteem and dati…
The dyadic influences of mindfulness on relationship functioning
Using family stress and coping theory, the current study assessed dyadic influences of specific facets of mindfulness ( nonreactivity, acting with awareness, and nonjudgment), accounting for stress levels, on relationship quality and sexual satisfaction in an ethnically and economically diverse sample of 847 married and unmarried heterosexual couples. Results from actor-partner interdependence models indicated a positive association between one's…
Examining Family Structure and Half-Sibling Influence on Adolescent Well-Being
Using data from a statewide education project for adolescents ( N = 736), this study explored family structure of youth in two-parent families and their influence on coping, sexual activity delay, and substance use. Although research in this area has tended to define family structure by the parent-child relationship, this study emphasized variations in family structure based on sibling relatedness. Results indicate differences when examining 'tra…
Conceptual Framework for Marriage Education Programs for Stepfamily Couples with Considerations for Socioeconomic Context
Stepfamily couples face unique challenges that put them at higher risk for dissolution than non-stepfamily couples. Risks for stepfamily couples are magnified in the context of lower economic resources, making low-income stepfamily couples a key target population for intervention and for community education programs. Existing programs and services for couples often do not address the unique situations of stepfamilies. This article builds on previ…
Marital Quality for Men and Women in Stepfamilies: Examining the Role of Economic Pressure, Common Stressors, and Stepfamily-Specific Stressors
Although economic pressure and family stress models have been examined with samples of men and women in first marriages, previous models have neglected to focus on men and women in stepfamilies and to examine stress sources unique to stepfamilies. This study examines the effect of economic pressure on both common stressors and stepfamily-specific stressors and the subsequent effects on negativity, positivity, and marital quality. Results of struc…
Identity as a Moderator of Intervention-Related Change: Identity Style and Adolescents' Responses to Relationships Education
We propose that interventions targeting youth should consider the effects of identity formation on outcomes. In this study, data from 935 high school students address the potential moderating effects of identity style (high vs. low informational, normative, diffuse orientations) on intervention-related change in faulty relationship beliefs, future orientation, perceived interpersonal communication skills, salience of future marital and parental r…
Dyadic links between adverse childhood experiences, mindfulness, and relationship quality in a diverse sample of couples
Emerging research finds negative implications of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) for individual relational outcomes. The current study advanced these explorations by utilizing a risk and resilience approach, as well as a family systems framework that considers couple dynamics. We tested the concurrent dyadic links among (ACEs), mindfulness, and relationship quality in a racially and economically diverse sample of different-gender couples ( N…
Exploring the Experiences of Female Emerging Adult Mentors: Building a Conceptual Model
While mentoring programs are prevalent, limited research focused on the mentors’ experiences exist, particularly during critical periods of development. Using a qualitative, grounded theory approach, this study explores the elements of the mentoring experience for a cohort of late adolescent/emerging adult women in a long-term program. Outcomes described were both personal and work related, as well as relationally and individually focused. In add…
Associations between dimensions of security in romantic relationships and interpersonal competence among dating and non-dating high school adolescents
The current study investigated the association between dimensions of security in romantic relationships, anxiety and avoidance, and general interpersonal competence among two groups of high school-aged adolescents: one currently in a dating relationship (daters) and one not currently involved (non-daters). Our findings show that daters were less anxious, less avoidant, and more competent than non-daters. A moderate negative association was found …
Validating the Remarriage Belief Inventory as a Dyadic Measure for Stepcouples
Stepcouples remain a comparatively understudied group and few established measures specific to these couples exist. The Remarriage Belief Inventory assesses beliefs and attitudes relevant to couple dynamics in stepfamilies and has been validated using samples of individuals. An important next step in instrument development is the examination of the factorial structure for use with husband-wife dyads. Results from a dyadic confirmatory factor anal…
Malleability of Gender Role Attitudes and Gendered Messages in Couple and Relationship Education
Gender role attitudes influence couple functioning and quality. However, few studies have examined within‐person attitudinal change across life events because gender role attitudes are generally considered stable constructs. Emerging research rooted in theory shows evidence of gender role attitude malleability in adulthood. This study examines whether and how couple and relationship education (CRE) influences gender role attitudes. Although CRE i…
Special Reviewers
The Prevalence of Marital Transitions in Military Families
Department of Defense (DoD) surveys were examined to develop a demographic profile of military families affected by divorce and remarriage. It appears that a substantial portion of military personnel have experienced divorce, are in remarriages, and have nonresidential children, particularly given the young average age of military personnel. Compared to the U.S. population, service members marry, divorce, and remarry earlier. Divorced and remarri…
What Do We Know About the Physical Abuse of Stepchildren: A Review of the Literature
Assumptions of the increased risk for stepchildren of physical abuse by a stepparent are based on a very limited and increasingly outdated literature. Although the majority of the 11 studies reviewed suggest that stepchildren are overrepresented as physical abuse victims, most of these studies are limited by their small sample sizes, consideration of households rather than victim-offender relationship, and the use of a low comparison population e…
The Intergenerational Transmission of Relationship Quality: The Effects of Parental Remarriage Quality on Young Adults' Relationships
Using a social learning perspective and the spillover assumption of the family systems perspective, the current study sought to examine the assumptions that remarriage quality is potentially a stronger predictor of adult children's later relationship attitudes, behaviors, and quality than the parents' first marriage. A total of 513 young adults completed a questionnaire regarding the quality of their parents' marital relationships and various asp…
Assessing Beliefs About Remarriages and Stepfamilies: The Remarriage Belief Inventory
In this study we refine and validate the factorial structure of the Remarriage Belief Inventory-an instrument developed to assess individuals' beliefs regarding remarriage. Using an online sample of 344 individuals in remarriages the factorial structure of a parsimonious, seven-factor, the 22-item instrument was confirmed. This structure was cross-validated by an independent sample of 217 remarried individuals. External validity is also provided …
Identity as a Moderator of Intervention-Related Change: Identity Style and Adolescents' Responses to Relationships Education
We propose that interventions targeting youth should consider the effects of identity formation on outcomes. In this study, data from 935 high school students address the potential moderating effects of identity style (high vs. low informational, normative, diffuse orientations) on intervention-related change in faulty relationship beliefs, future orientation, perceived interpersonal communication skills, salience of future marital and parental r…
Conceptual Framework for Marriage Education Programs for Stepfamily Couples with Considerations for Socioeconomic Context
Stepfamily couples face unique challenges that put them at higher risk for dissolution than non-stepfamily couples. Risks for stepfamily couples are magnified in the context of lower economic resources, making low-income stepfamily couples a key target population for intervention and for community education programs. Existing programs and services for couples often do not address the unique situations of stepfamilies. This article builds on previ…
An Examination of Gender Role Attitude Change Patterns Among Continuously Married, Divorced, and Remarried Individuals
Gender role attitudes influence marital satisfaction and stability and are typically treated as stable traits in adulthood. Theory and retrospective studies suggest changes in the life course based on relationship histories; however, tests of these assumptions are virtually nonexistent. Analyses from a longitudinal, nationally representative U.S. sample of 590 married individuals who vary in their marital experiences revealed both period effects …
The Role of Identity Styles and Academic Possible Selves on Academic Outcomes for High School Students
The authors examined linkages among identity styles, academic possible selves, and grades for 1,137 public high school students across a southern state in the United States. The measurement model revealed a positive association for the informational style and a negative association for the diffuse style with academic possible selves. There were positive associations for the informational style, normative style, and academic possible selves with g…
Associations between dimensions of security in romantic relationships and interpersonal competence among dating and non-dating high school adolescents
The current study investigated the association between dimensions of security in romantic relationships, anxiety and avoidance, and general interpersonal competence among two groups of high school-aged adolescents: one currently in a dating relationship (daters) and one not currently involved (non-daters). Our findings show that daters were less anxious, less avoidant, and more competent than non-daters. A moderate negative association was found …
Comparing the Experiences of Couples in First Marriages and Remarriages in Couple and Relationship Education
This study examines a diverse sample of married individuals (N = 1,542) in the context of couple and relationship education (CRE). Differences and similarities in participant well-being at baseline and overtime were examined among individuals in first marriages—with and without children from previous relationships—and various types of remarriages utilizing measures of individual, couple, and parental functioning. Additionally, we examined how the…
Malleability of Gender Role Attitudes and Gendered Messages in Couple and Relationship Education
Gender role attitudes influence couple functioning and quality. However, few studies have examined within‐person attitudinal change across life events because gender role attitudes are generally considered stable constructs. Emerging research rooted in theory shows evidence of gender role attitude malleability in adulthood. This study examines whether and how couple and relationship education (CRE) influences gender role attitudes. Although CRE i…
Marital Quality for Men and Women in Stepfamilies: Examining the Role of Economic Pressure, Common Stressors, and Stepfamily-Specific Stressors
Although economic pressure and family stress models have been examined with samples of men and women in first marriages, previous models have neglected to focus on men and women in stepfamilies and to examine stress sources unique to stepfamilies. This study examines the effect of economic pressure on both common stressors and stepfamily-specific stressors and the subsequent effects on negativity, positivity, and marital quality. Results of struc…
Exploring the Experiences of Female Emerging Adult Mentors: Building a Conceptual Model
While mentoring programs are prevalent, limited research focused on the mentors’ experiences exist, particularly during critical periods of development. Using a qualitative, grounded theory approach, this study explores the elements of the mentoring experience for a cohort of late adolescent/emerging adult women in a long-term program. Outcomes described were both personal and work related, as well as relationally and individually focused. In add…
Family Mapping: A Cumulative Measure of Family Structure and Instability
Family structure is an important area of study given the growing rates of family instability. The research, however, is limited due to broad definitions and measurement methods that only consider one time point. Using a sample of young adults (N = 398), our goal was to develop a user-friendly implementation procedure and coding system that efficiently captures a broad range of information. The coding system offered includes multiple levels of det…
Examining Family Structure and Half-Sibling Influence on Adolescent Well-Being
Using data from a statewide education project for adolescents ( N = 736), this study explored family structure of youth in two-parent families and their influence on coping, sexual activity delay, and substance use. Although research in this area has tended to define family structure by the parent-child relationship, this study emphasized variations in family structure based on sibling relatedness. Results indicate differences when examining 'tra…
Determining Latent Classes of Cumulative Family Structure Experiences in Emerging Adulthood
Using a sample of emerging adults (N = 536), this study examined detailed cumulative family structure spanning birth through emerging adulthood. Latent class analysis was used to determine profiles of cumulative family structure experiences based on measures of family structure measured at 5 time points, duration in current family structure, the number of parent relationship transitions, and the number of sibling transitions. Two distinct stable …
Validating the Remarriage Belief Inventory as a Dyadic Measure for Stepcouples
Stepcouples remain a comparatively understudied group and few established measures specific to these couples exist. The Remarriage Belief Inventory assesses beliefs and attitudes relevant to couple dynamics in stepfamilies and has been validated using samples of individuals. An important next step in instrument development is the examination of the factorial structure for use with husband-wife dyads. Results from a dyadic confirmatory factor anal…
Engagement in Risky Sexual Behavior: Adolescents’ Perceptions of Self and the Parent–Child Relationship Matter
The current study examined associations among parenting practices, adolescents' self-esteem and dating identity exploration, and adolescents' sexual behaviors. Participants were 680 African American and European American sexually experienced adolescents attending public high schools in the southeast. Results indicated that risky sexual behavior was associated positively with parental psychological control, and negatively with self-esteem and dati…
Efforts to Design, Implement, and Evaluate Community‐Based Education for Stepfamilies: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
Stepfamilies are prevalent and have increased in numbers over the past several decades in the United States. Indications are that these families may experience enhanced vulnerabilities and inequities related to relational, psychological, and physical health outcomes; thus, they represent an important target population for family life educators. Efforts have been made to develop detailed, research‐informed conceptual frameworks to guide best pract…
The dyadic influences of mindfulness on relationship functioning
Using family stress and coping theory, the current study assessed dyadic influences of specific facets of mindfulness ( nonreactivity, acting with awareness, and nonjudgment), accounting for stress levels, on relationship quality and sexual satisfaction in an ethnically and economically diverse sample of 847 married and unmarried heterosexual couples. Results from actor-partner interdependence models indicated a positive association between one's…
An Evaluation of the Elevate Program for Couples: Considering Vulnerabilities and Relationship Length
Objectives This study investigates the effects of a new research‐informed couple relationship education (CRE) curriculum, ELEVATE, in a diverse sample of 300 adults. Methods Using a quasi‐experimental design and propensity score adjustments, change trajectories were compared over a 6‐month period with multilevel growth‐curve modeling. Variations in outcomes based on income, family harmony, and relationship length were also explored. Results Resul…
Changes in Depressive Symptoms, Physical Symptoms, and Sleep-Wake Problems From Before to During the Covid-19 Pandemic Among Emerging Adults: Inequalities by Gender, Socioeconomic Position, and Race
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emerging adults is of global concern. We examine changes in depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, and sleep-wake problems from before to during the pandemic among college students, and examine inequalities by gender, socioeconomic status (SES), and race ( N =263, 52% Black, 48% White, 53% female). As compared to pre-pandemic levels, increases were evident in depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, and slee…
Lessons from the Field. Classroom gender composition in the context of youth relationship education
Validating the Couple Relationship Skills Inventory
Psychology (33 works) · Developmental psychology (24 works) · Family Dynamics and Relationships (19 works) · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics (18 works) · Social Psychology (18 works) · Clinical Psychology (12 works) · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving (12 works) · Sociology (10 works) · Stepfamily (9 works) · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development (7 works)