Perceptions of Stepfathers

Disciplinary and Affectionate Behavior

Bibliographic Data

ID2346286
AuthorsStephen Claxton-Oldfield (0000-0001-6979-0694, University of Exeter), Stephen Claxton‐Oldfield (University of Exeter, corresponding author)
Year1992
Volume13
Issue3
Pages378-389
Publication date1992-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Family Issues (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0192-513X • E-ISSN: 1552-5481
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/019251392013003007
OpenAlexW2124652975
LanguageEN
Citations received15
References cited14

Two separate studies were conducted to compare college students' perceptions of the parental behavior of stepfathers and biological fathers. After reading a brief vignette, the students were asked to rate the parental behavior of an adult, identified as either a stepfather or father and depicted either spanking a child (Study 1) or behaving affectionately toward a child (Study 2). The results of Study 1 indicated a less positive perception of stepfathers carrying out a disciplinary role than of fathers. Stepfathers were perceived as being less affectionate, fair, kind, loving, and likable in this situation, and their disciplinary behavior was seen as less justified and excusable. The results of Study 2, however, indicated that stepfathers were generally not perceived less positively than fathers, although their expressions of affection (e.g., hugging and kissing) were seen as more likely to make their stepchildren feel uncomfortable. These results suggest that stepfathers are not always seen less positively than fathers irrespective of their behavior

Affection · Developmental psychology · Perception · Stepfamily · Vignette · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Psychology · Social Psychology

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