Noncustodial Father and Paternal Grandparent Relationships in Stepfamilies

This study examines the associations between children's psychological adjustment in stepfather families and their relationships with their noncustodial fathers and paternal grandparents. Differences in these relationships during the first 7 years of remarriage and how these relationships vary for boys and girls are also investigated. The results indicate no differences in contact or relationship quality with noncustodial fathers orpaternal grandparents for boys and girls or at differentpoints after remarriage. Correlations between contact and relationships with fathers and paternal grandparents and children's adjustment vary depending on the children's sex and length of remarriage. Implications for future research and relationships within stepfamilies are discussed.