When children have two fathers: Effects of relationships with stepfathers and noncustodial fathers on adolescent outcomes

Using data on 189 adolescents who have a living biological father and a res ident stepfather, we examined the effects of children's relationships, with both fathers on child outcomes. Interview data from mothers and stepfather s provide an assessment of two types of child outcomes, internalizing and e xternalizing problems. Interviews with the children themselves provide data about the child's relationships with the mother, stepfather, and biologica l father. Results show a significant positive association between quality o f relationship with stepfathers and child outcomes. Relationships with nonc ustodial fathers have less consistent but appear to have positive effects o n child outcomes. We find that many children have good relationships with b oth fathers and that, even controlling for quality of relationship with the mother, good relationships with both fathers are associated with better ch ild outcomes.