Understanding the Factors Related to Stepmother Anxiety: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

Stepparenting is widely recognized as a stressful experience, with higher levels of stress and anxiety experienced by stepmothers than stepfathers. This study sought to examine the experiences of stepmothers to help understand the perceived factors related to their increased anxiety within the stepfamily. A qualitative study using focus groups was conducted in the United Kingdom. Results suggested that stepmother anxiety is predominantly related to three areas: their relationship with the biological mother, their relationship with their stepchildren, and lack of clarity regarding the stepmother role. It is posited that interventions designed to clarify the stepmother role and improve and strengthen relationships between stepfamily members would help alleviate anxiety and thus improve stepmother well-being.

KEYWORDS:

• anxiety
• depression
• full complex
• full simple
• part complex
• part simple
• stepfamilies
• stepmothers
• well-being