Brad van Eeden-Moorefield

Remarriage and Stepfamily Life

In family research, the topic of remarriage and stepfamilies has been of interest to scholars since the landmark study by Jessie Bernard in 1956. In fact, the Journal of Marriage and Family decade reviews began addressing remarriage and stepfamilies in 1980 when these topics were included as a “nontraditional family form” (Macklin, 1980, citing 29 studies from 1970s) and as a “noninstitution” (Price Bonham & Balswick, 1980, citing an additional 17 studies). By 1990 when Coleman and Ganong reviewed studies of remarriage and stepfamilies from the 1980s, they noted that the literature had grown to “well over 200 published empirical works” (p. 925). They also noted that (a) stepchildren were the focus of much of the research rather than remarriage and marital functioning in stepfamilies and (b) studies typically assumed a problem-oriented or deficit-comparison approach. This approach addressed between group comparisons of those in first-marriage families with those in stepfamilies with limited attention to stepfamily strengths and processes.

The Social, Political, and Judicial Contexts of Queer Marriage in the United States

The queering of marriage in the United States is one of the most contentious current civil rights debates. For many queer families, great ambiguity in their current and future legal statuses and choices exists. However, some ambiguity has decreased given the recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. As a result of these rulings, queer couples in California are able to legally marry again and the federal government now recognizes queer marriages. As the queering of marriage gains momentum, it is important to examine the contextual pathways leading to this point. In doing so, we can look forward by looking back. Here, we use a framework for understanding civil rights issues by presenting the impact of social, political, and judicial contexts on the queering of marriage from 1969 to the present. We also forecast the future of same-sex marriage in the United States.

A Content Analysis of LGBT Research in Top Family Journals 2000-2015:

The past decades have witnessed some of the most prolific changes in rights and experiences for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) individuals and their families. Research during this period also witnessed a significant increase in the study of these changes. The current content analysis systematically reviewed all LGBT-related articles published in top-ranked, general family science journals from 2000 to 2015 to gauge the state of this growing field. Specifically, basic descriptives, theoretical foundations, methodological plurality, and inclusivity were examined. Results revealed that less than 3% of articles published were LGBT-related, most were atheoretical and infrequently included variables unique to this population (e.g., outness, discrimination), used purposive cross-sectional samples, focused most on lesbian and/or gay couples, and included primarily White and middle-class individuals in samples. Areas of strengths and future opportunities are discussed.

Transgender people’s reflections on identity, faith, and Christian faith communities in the U.S.

Abstract Relational therapists have limited access to resources and information about transgender people’s faith beliefs and experiences in Christian communities of faith, which is largely absent from the professional literature. The purpose of this article is to examine the Christian religious and spiritual experiences of transgender people located in the U.S. Seven self-identified transgender people participated in in-depth interviews. Results of the study indicated that participants had various experiences in faith communities, with both supportive and discriminatory responses from others. The results also suggest that participants maintained their faith beliefs even when they experience rejection from faith communities. Moreover, participants reported feeling a connection with a higher power, and specifically viewed themselves as made transgender by God. Findings from this study may be particularly relevant for relational therapists who work within Christian faith communities and organizations. Implications for transgender inclusive and supportive therapy are discussed.

Exposure to gangs in low-income urban communities and substance use among Hispanic youth

Abstract A third of Hispanic youth live below the poverty line, making them vulnerable for exposure to gangs, substances, and violence, all of which have been associated with substance use. The aim of the present study was to test the link between these variables, using a multiple mediation model. Results suggest that the relationship between gang exposure and adolescent substance use was mediated by both access to substances and exposure to violence. Findings provide insight into how gang exposure impacts outcomes for low-income youth. Implications for prevention and policy are discussed.

Relationships Between (Step)Parents and Adult (Step)Children: Explaining Influences on Life Satisfaction and Marital Quality

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine important influences of adult (step)children’s relationships with their biological fathers, biological mothers, and resident stepparents on their life satisfaction and marital quality and the moderating role of stepparent gender. The sample (N = 215) was from Wave 3 of the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH). Results illustrate that (a) biological mothers and stepparents positively influenced life satisfaction among adult (step)children regardless of stepfamily type; and (b) that the influence of parent–child relationship quality on the adult child’s marital quality did vary as a function of stepfamily type. Specifically, there was a positive link between current stepmother–child relationship quality and the focal child’s current marital quality. The opposite link was found for those reared in stepfather households.