Stepfamily Dynamics and Emerging Adults' Adjustment in Japan: Four Patterns Affecting Stepchildren's Outcomes.

ABSTRACT: Stepfamilies are increasingly prevalent worldwide; however, research on non-Western stepfamilies remains limited. This study examines stepparenting, parenting behaviors, stepcouple relationships, and biological parents' co-parenting quality in Japan, exploring their impact on the psychological adjustment of emerging adults (EAs). The sample included 421 Japanese EAs (aged 20-29) raised in stepfamilies with a resident biological mother and stepfather and a nonresident biological father. Using latent profile analysis, we identified four relationship patterns: Residence-Centered (37.8%) with strong resident mother-stepfather ties, Inclusive (15.9%) with positive bonds across all parental figures, Inter-household Ambivalent Loyalty (22.8%) with an ambivalent nonresident father bond and biologi

SUBMITTER: Jikihara Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12464621 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature