Perceived Understanding and Self-Disclosure in the Stepparent-Stepchild Relationship

Abstract

The relationship between self-disclosure and perceived understanding in the stepparent-stepchild relationship was investigated. Stepchildren (N = 165) completed a questionnaire about their communication with their stepparents. Participants reported on their self-disclosure (intentionality, amount, positiveness, depth, and honesty) and their feelings of being understood by their stepparents. The results showed that self-disclosure was positively related to perceived understanding. This was especially true for the relationship between honesty of self-disclosure and perceived understanding. Analyses involving gender of the individuals in the stepchild-stepparent dyad showed several differences. The relationship between self-disclosure and perceived understanding was more significant for stepdaughters than for stepsons.