The Relationship Between Young Adults’ Perceptions of the Role of Significant Others (Stepfathers) and Self-Adjustment After Parental Divorce

Abstract

Parental divorce is a significant life event that can affect an individual’s process of
psychological adjustment, particularly when the family forms a new structure
through the presence of a stepfather. This condition becomes increasingly critical
during young adulthood, a developmental phase characterized by the demands of
independence, identity formation, and the ability to establish healthy interpersonal
relationships. This study aimed to examine the relationship between stepfather
social support and adjustment among young adults who have experienced
parental divorce. This study employed a quantitative approach using a survey
method involving 240 respondents aged 20-40 years who met the research criteria. Social support was measured using the Social Provisions Scale (SPS) developed
by Cutrona and Russell (1987), while adjustment was measured using the
Psychological Adjustment Scale (PAS) developed by Haber and Runyon (1984). Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis due to the non-normal
distribution of the data. The results indicated a significant positive relationship
between stepfather social support and young adult adjustment, with a correlation
coefficient of r = 0.550 and a probability value of p = 0.000. These findings suggest
that higher levels of social support provided by stepfathers are associated with
better adjustment among young adults following parental divorce. Stepfather social
support contributed 34.3% to adjustment, while the remaining variance was
influenced by other factors beyond the scope of this study. Overall, this study
highlights the importance of the quality of the stepfather-child relationship in
supporting the adjustment process of young adults within newly structured families.