Ex-Spouses' Relational Satisfaction as a Function of Coparental Communication in Stepfamilies

Abstract

This study tested a series of actor-partner interdependence models of coparental communication and relational satisfaction among ex-spouses living in stepfamilies. Participants included 41 ex-spousal dyads (N = 82). Results revealed two actor-oriented models whereby ex-spouses' supportive and antagonistic coparental communication predicted their own (but not their ex-spouse's) relational satisfaction. A second set of models revealed that nonresidential parents' supportive and antagonistic coparental communication with the residential stepparent predicted their own satisfaction with their ex-spouses, as well as their ex-spouse's satisfaction with them (i.e., a partner effect). Importantly, the findings demonstrate the interdependence of coparenting relationships in stepfamilies, as supportive coparental communication between nonresidential parents and their ex-spouse's new partner (i.e., the stepparent) predicted meaningful variance in relational satisfaction for both ex-spouses.

Keywords:

• Antagonistic Communication
• Coparenting
• Ex-Spouses
• Stepfamilies
• Supportive Communication

Notes

Note. COPAR = coparental communication; EX = ex-spouse; STEP = stepparent. Means and standard deviations (in parentheses) are for (nonresidential) parents. Correlations for nonresidential parents are in the upper diagonal and correlations for residential parents are in the lower diagonal. Correlations in the diagonal represent estimates of nonindependence.

^a Responses solicited using a 7-point Likert scale.

†p < .10. *p < .05. **p < .01.

According to Rusbult and Van Lange (2003), the interdependence structure includes two tools from classic game theory, the outcome matrix and the transition list. An outcome matrix depicts interdependence patterns involving two persons, each of whom can enact either of two behaviors, producing four combinations representing the consequences of the persons' choices in terms of outcomes for Persons A and B. As Kelley and Thibaut (1978) noted, a transition list complements an outcome matrix by specifying the means by which two people proceed from one pattern of interdependence to another. For further information on interdependence structures and processes, see Rusbult and Van Lange (2003).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Paul Schrodt

Paul Schrodt (PhD, University of Nebraska–Lincoln) is the Philip J. and Cheryl C. Burguières Professor, Associate Professor, and Graduate Director in the Department of Communication Studies at Texas Christian University.

Aimee E. Miller

Aimee E. Miller (PhD, University of Nebraska–Lincoln) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication at the University of Hartford.

Dawn O. Braithwaite

Dawn O. Braithwaite (PhD, University of Minnesota) is a Willa Cather Professor and Graduate Director in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.