A METAANALYTIC COMPARISON OF THE SELF-ESTEEM AND BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS OF STEPCHILDREN TO CHILDREN IN OTHER FAMILY STRUCTURES

A meta-analysis was based on published studies that compared the self-esteem or behavior problems of stepchildren to children in nuclear and single-parent households. Twenty-four studies produced 57 effect sizes. Results showed generalizable differences in self-esteem between children in stepfamilies and nuclear families but not between stepchildren and children in single-parent households. Stepchildren's internalizing and externalizing behaviors were slightly greater than nuclear family children, but not single-parent family children. Discussion focused on the interpretation of these results within the limitations of the designs employed in the studies.