Mothers re-partnering after divorce: Diverging perceptions of mothers and adolescents

Using a “divergent realities” approach, the present study compared mothers' and adolescents' perceptions of the mothers' postdivorce re-partnering (i.e., remarriage, cohabitation, or dating) as it relates to the adolescents' lives (N = 83 dyads). Mothers' and adolescents' perceptions were elicited via open-ended questionnaire items. Qualitative content analysis of the written responses revealed discrepant views for 47 dyads and agreement for 36 dyads. The discrepant codes (themes) fell into three broad topical categories: (a) the quality of the adolescent-new partner relationship; (b) the level or nature of impact of the new partner on the family’s life; and (c) the impact of having a partner on the mother-adolescent relationship. Possible reasons for divergent perceptions include inadequate communication, attempts to protect self or relationship, and personal stake.