Single Fathers Rearing Successful Children and Productive Members of SocietyJudithLhamon
This research paper was done to show proficiency in research analysis and writing. The research topic of single fathers as successful parents was chosen to show that traditional families are not the only way to view family and to study whether fathers can rear successful children in the way that mothers tend to.
10.11771066480704270150THE FAMILY JOURNAL COUNSELING AND THE.docxchristiandean12115
10.1177/1066480704270150THE FAMILY JOURNAL: COUNSELING AND THERAPY FOR COUPLES AND FAMILIES / January 2005Lambert / GAY AND LESBIAN FAMILIES
❖ Literature Review—Research
Gay and Lesbian Families:
What We Know and Where to Go From Here
Serena Lambert
Idaho State University
The author reviewed the research on gay and lesbian parents and
their children. The current body of research has been clear and con-
sistent in establishing that children of gay and lesbian parents are as
psychologically healthy as their peers from heterosexual homes.
However, this comparison approach to research design appears to
have limited the scope of research on gay and lesbian families, leav-
ing much of the experience of these families yet to be investigated.
Keywords: gay men; lesbians; parenting; families
The relationships and family lives of gay and lesbian peo-ple have been the focus of much controversy in the past
decade. The legal and social implications of gay and lesbian
parents appear to have clearly affected the direction that
researchers in the fields of psychology and sociology have
taken in regard to these diverse families. As clinicians, educa-
tors, and researchers, counselors need to be aware of and
involved with issues related to lesbian and gay family life for
several reasons. First, our professional code of ethics charges
us with the ethical responsibility to demonstrate a commit-
ment to gaining knowledge, personal awareness, sensitivity,
and skills significant for working with diverse populations
(American Counseling Association, 1995; International
Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, n.d.). Coun-
selors are also in a unique position to advocate for diverse
clients and families in their communities as well as in their
practices but must possess the knowledge to do so effectively
(Eriksen, 1999). It is believed that work in this area not only
has the potential to affect the lives of our gay and lesbian cli-
ents and their children but also influences developmental and
family theory and informs public policies for the future
(Patterson, 1995, 2000; Savin-Williams & Esterberg, 2000).
This article will review the recent research regarding fami-
lies headed by gay men and lesbians. Studies reviewed in-
clude investigations of gay or lesbian versus homosexual par-
ents, sources of diversity among gay and lesbian parents, and
the personal and sociological development of the children of
gay and lesbian parents. Implications for counselors as well
as directions for future research will also be discussed.
GAY AND LESBIAN PARENTS
How Many Are Out There?
Unfortunately, accurate statistics regarding the numbers
of families headed by gay men and lesbians in our culture are
difficult to determine. Due to fear of discrimination in one or
more aspects of their lives, many gay men and lesbians have
carefully kept their sexual orientation concealed—even from
their own children in some cases (Huggins, 1989). Patterson
(2000) noted that it is es.
Does Parental Sexual Orientation Matter A Longitudinal FollowDustiBuckner14
Does Parental Sexual Orientation Matter? A Longitudinal Follow-Up of
Adoptive Families With School-Age Children
Rachel H. Farr
University of Kentucky
Controversy continues to surround parenting by lesbian and gay (LG) adults and outcomes for their
children. As sexual minority parents increasingly adopt children, longitudinal research about child
development, parenting, and family relationships is crucial for informing such debates. In the psycho-
logical literature, family systems theory contends that children’s healthy development depends upon
healthy family functioning more so than family structure. From the framework of family stress theory,
it was expected that longitudinal outcomes for school-age children adopted in infancy could be distinct
among those with same-sex versus other-sex parents (N � 96 families). Similar findings were hypoth-
esized in terms of parent adjustment, couple relationships, and family functioning in comparing same-sex
and other-sex parent families. Results indicated that adjustment among children, parents, and couples, as
well as family functioning, were not different on the basis of parental sexual orientation (lesbian, gay, or
heterosexual) when children were school-age. Rather, children’s behavior problems and family func-
tioning during middle childhood were predicted by earlier child adjustment issues and parenting stress.
These findings are consistent with and extend previous literature about families headed by LG parents,
particularly those that have adopted children. The results have implications for advancing supportive
policies, practices, and laws related to adoption and parenting by sexual minority adults.
Keywords: middle childhood, parenting stress, couples, adoptive families, sexual orientation
Americans remain divided about their views on lesbian and gay
(LG) adults raising children, according to the Pew Research Center
(e.g., Daugherty & Copen, 2016). Controversy often centers on
whether children need a mother and a father for optimal develop-
ment, yet theoretical perspectives tend to emphasize the impor-
tance of high-quality parenting and family relationships, rather
than family structure (Lamb, 2012). Outcomes for children with
LG parents have been featured in legal and policy debates about
same-sex marriage and the adoption of children. How children fare
with same-sex parents was a pivotal consideration in the June 2015
Supreme Court decision about marriage equality (Obergefell v.
Hodges; e.g., American Psychological Association, 2015). Despite
debate, millions of sexual minority (i.e., nonheterosexual) adults
desire to be parents and many are already parents, including
adoptive parents (Riskind & Patterson, 2010). During recent years,
the number of adoptive LG parents has doubled (Gates, 2011).
According to 2010 Census data, same-sex couples are four times
more likely than other-sex couples to adopt children (Gates, 2013).
From data representing couples and single parents (2000 Census, ...
Single Fathers Rearing Successful Children and Productive Members of SocietyJudithLhamon
This research paper was done to show proficiency in research analysis and writing. The research topic of single fathers as successful parents was chosen to show that traditional families are not the only way to view family and to study whether fathers can rear successful children in the way that mothers tend to.
10.11771066480704270150THE FAMILY JOURNAL COUNSELING AND THE.docxchristiandean12115
10.1177/1066480704270150THE FAMILY JOURNAL: COUNSELING AND THERAPY FOR COUPLES AND FAMILIES / January 2005Lambert / GAY AND LESBIAN FAMILIES
❖ Literature Review—Research
Gay and Lesbian Families:
What We Know and Where to Go From Here
Serena Lambert
Idaho State University
The author reviewed the research on gay and lesbian parents and
their children. The current body of research has been clear and con-
sistent in establishing that children of gay and lesbian parents are as
psychologically healthy as their peers from heterosexual homes.
However, this comparison approach to research design appears to
have limited the scope of research on gay and lesbian families, leav-
ing much of the experience of these families yet to be investigated.
Keywords: gay men; lesbians; parenting; families
The relationships and family lives of gay and lesbian peo-ple have been the focus of much controversy in the past
decade. The legal and social implications of gay and lesbian
parents appear to have clearly affected the direction that
researchers in the fields of psychology and sociology have
taken in regard to these diverse families. As clinicians, educa-
tors, and researchers, counselors need to be aware of and
involved with issues related to lesbian and gay family life for
several reasons. First, our professional code of ethics charges
us with the ethical responsibility to demonstrate a commit-
ment to gaining knowledge, personal awareness, sensitivity,
and skills significant for working with diverse populations
(American Counseling Association, 1995; International
Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, n.d.). Coun-
selors are also in a unique position to advocate for diverse
clients and families in their communities as well as in their
practices but must possess the knowledge to do so effectively
(Eriksen, 1999). It is believed that work in this area not only
has the potential to affect the lives of our gay and lesbian cli-
ents and their children but also influences developmental and
family theory and informs public policies for the future
(Patterson, 1995, 2000; Savin-Williams & Esterberg, 2000).
This article will review the recent research regarding fami-
lies headed by gay men and lesbians. Studies reviewed in-
clude investigations of gay or lesbian versus homosexual par-
ents, sources of diversity among gay and lesbian parents, and
the personal and sociological development of the children of
gay and lesbian parents. Implications for counselors as well
as directions for future research will also be discussed.
GAY AND LESBIAN PARENTS
How Many Are Out There?
Unfortunately, accurate statistics regarding the numbers
of families headed by gay men and lesbians in our culture are
difficult to determine. Due to fear of discrimination in one or
more aspects of their lives, many gay men and lesbians have
carefully kept their sexual orientation concealed—even from
their own children in some cases (Huggins, 1989). Patterson
(2000) noted that it is es.
Does Parental Sexual Orientation Matter A Longitudinal FollowDustiBuckner14
Does Parental Sexual Orientation Matter? A Longitudinal Follow-Up of
Adoptive Families With School-Age Children
Rachel H. Farr
University of Kentucky
Controversy continues to surround parenting by lesbian and gay (LG) adults and outcomes for their
children. As sexual minority parents increasingly adopt children, longitudinal research about child
development, parenting, and family relationships is crucial for informing such debates. In the psycho-
logical literature, family systems theory contends that children’s healthy development depends upon
healthy family functioning more so than family structure. From the framework of family stress theory,
it was expected that longitudinal outcomes for school-age children adopted in infancy could be distinct
among those with same-sex versus other-sex parents (N � 96 families). Similar findings were hypoth-
esized in terms of parent adjustment, couple relationships, and family functioning in comparing same-sex
and other-sex parent families. Results indicated that adjustment among children, parents, and couples, as
well as family functioning, were not different on the basis of parental sexual orientation (lesbian, gay, or
heterosexual) when children were school-age. Rather, children’s behavior problems and family func-
tioning during middle childhood were predicted by earlier child adjustment issues and parenting stress.
These findings are consistent with and extend previous literature about families headed by LG parents,
particularly those that have adopted children. The results have implications for advancing supportive
policies, practices, and laws related to adoption and parenting by sexual minority adults.
Keywords: middle childhood, parenting stress, couples, adoptive families, sexual orientation
Americans remain divided about their views on lesbian and gay
(LG) adults raising children, according to the Pew Research Center
(e.g., Daugherty & Copen, 2016). Controversy often centers on
whether children need a mother and a father for optimal develop-
ment, yet theoretical perspectives tend to emphasize the impor-
tance of high-quality parenting and family relationships, rather
than family structure (Lamb, 2012). Outcomes for children with
LG parents have been featured in legal and policy debates about
same-sex marriage and the adoption of children. How children fare
with same-sex parents was a pivotal consideration in the June 2015
Supreme Court decision about marriage equality (Obergefell v.
Hodges; e.g., American Psychological Association, 2015). Despite
debate, millions of sexual minority (i.e., nonheterosexual) adults
desire to be parents and many are already parents, including
adoptive parents (Riskind & Patterson, 2010). During recent years,
the number of adoptive LG parents has doubled (Gates, 2011).
According to 2010 Census data, same-sex couples are four times
more likely than other-sex couples to adopt children (Gates, 2013).
From data representing couples and single parents (2000 Census, ...
Response for discussion 1Assumptions people might make aboutmickietanger
Response for discussion 1
Assumptions people might make about different family configurations:
Non-traditional family configurations are judged for being different than traditional families. These families are stigmatized as the alcoholic, multiracial, lesbian, or gay families, among other configurations (Breshears, 2011). This disapproval negatively affects the family, and especially the development of the children.
One such family configuration that assumptions are made is a family with homosexual parents. These families face the challenge that they are not a true family structure (Breshears, 2011). In fact, they may receive hostility or be stigmatized. Because of the prejudice (Fitzgerald, 2010), the children need to be taught by the parents about homophobia (Breshears, 2011). Plus, their family identity is scrutinized more than a traditional family. This family structure is likewise challenged not only directly, but indirectly in the school. Lesbian and gay families may not represented in schools in books or on posters. Other children may criticize the child of homosexual parents. There may also be indirect challenges of family identity on school assignments (Breshears, 2011). In response, some families may encourage their children to hide the family identity to protect them from discrimination (Breshears, 2011).
Impacts assumptions have on the development of children:
If a child’s family is injured or hurt, so is his/her own identity because family is an extension of the child’s self-identity (Derman–Sparks & Olson Edwards, 2010). Thus, the child may hold the burden for his/her parents and feel a need to protect them. This causes extra stress on the child (Fitzgerald, 2010). They may, as well, take on the anxiety of their parents. Additionally, Fitzgerald (2010) discussed that children of homosexual families feel pressure to be perfect and struggle to trust others due to constant harassment from peers.
How do these assumptions impact my work with children:
I believe that it is best practice to respect all family structures because structure does not identify how the family functions (Derman–Sparks & Olson Edwards, 2010). Ultimately, in my job as a school psychologist, I need to keep an open mind and focus on how the function of a child’s family impacts his/her cognitive, social, and emotional development. Besides helping the individual by listening, I can provide them with resources and suggest support groups to help them not feel alone or isolated. For example, the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) has been shown to improve school climate by educating the school community about sexual minority issues while increasing social support for LGBTQ students and those students with same sex parents (Heck, 2014). Joining a GSA may help a student from a homosexual family.
References
Breshears, D. (2011). Understanding communication between lesbian parents and their children regarding outsi ...
Contents lists available at ScienceDirectJournal of Adoles.docxmaxinesmith73660
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Journal of Adolescence
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/adolescence
Young adolescents’ responsiveness to sexual communication with
their mother: Distinguishing diverse intentions
Heather A. Sears∗, Brett S. Robinson1, E. Sandra Byers
Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, P.O. Box 4400, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3, Canada
A R T I C L E I N F O
Keywords:
Responsiveness
Intentions
Sexual communication
Young adolescents
Mothers
A B S T R A C T
Introduction: It is unlikely that parents can have effective sexuality discussions with their ado-
lescent if the adolescent is not responsive to their efforts. We evaluated young adolescents’ in-
tentions of being responsive to sexual communication with their mother and whether youths who
were likely, ambivalent, or unlikely to be responsive differed on their characteristics, features of
previous sexual communication, and features of the mother-adolescent relationship.
Methods: Participants were 259 Canadian adolescents (12–14 years; 53% girls) who received and
returned a survey by mail. They completed measures of responsiveness intentions, expected
outcomes of sexual communication, extent of past sexual communication, the frequency with
which mothers encouraged questions and provided information about sexuality topics, open
communication, and mothers’ provision of warmth, structure, and autonomy support.
Results: We found that 37% of adolescents were likely to be responsive to sexual communication
with their mother, 34% were ambivalent, and 29% were unlikely to be responsive. Youths’ re-
sponsiveness intentions were general rather than topic-specific. A discriminant analysis showed
that only features of previous sexual communication separated all three groups whereas specific
mother-adolescent relationship features (open communication and structure) and one adolescent
characteristic (expected outcomes) separated the unlikely group from the other groups.
Conclusions: Young adolescents' intentions of being responsive to sexual communication from
their mother are diverse yet general in nature. Mothers' engagement in sexual communication
appears essential for youths' openness to these discussions. Enhancing specific mother-adolescent
relationship features and youths’ outcome expectations may shift adolescents who are resistant to
sexuality discussions to being more sure.
1. Introduction
Communication between parents and their adolescents about sexual health topics has the potential to be a win-win situation for
both parties. For parents, sexual communication is an opportunity to fulfill one of their acknowledged responsibilities by providing
information that can prevent negative sexual outcomes and sharing attitudes and values (Flores & Barroso, 2017; Jerman &
Constantine, 2010). For adolescents, sexual communication is an opportunity to gain factual information and practical skills from one
of their preferred sources of sexu.
Contents lists available at ScienceDirectJournal of Adoles.docxdickonsondorris
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Journal of Adolescence
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/adolescence
Young adolescents’ responsiveness to sexual communication with
their mother: Distinguishing diverse intentions
Heather A. Sears∗, Brett S. Robinson1, E. Sandra Byers
Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, P.O. Box 4400, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3, Canada
A R T I C L E I N F O
Keywords:
Responsiveness
Intentions
Sexual communication
Young adolescents
Mothers
A B S T R A C T
Introduction: It is unlikely that parents can have effective sexuality discussions with their ado-
lescent if the adolescent is not responsive to their efforts. We evaluated young adolescents’ in-
tentions of being responsive to sexual communication with their mother and whether youths who
were likely, ambivalent, or unlikely to be responsive differed on their characteristics, features of
previous sexual communication, and features of the mother-adolescent relationship.
Methods: Participants were 259 Canadian adolescents (12–14 years; 53% girls) who received and
returned a survey by mail. They completed measures of responsiveness intentions, expected
outcomes of sexual communication, extent of past sexual communication, the frequency with
which mothers encouraged questions and provided information about sexuality topics, open
communication, and mothers’ provision of warmth, structure, and autonomy support.
Results: We found that 37% of adolescents were likely to be responsive to sexual communication
with their mother, 34% were ambivalent, and 29% were unlikely to be responsive. Youths’ re-
sponsiveness intentions were general rather than topic-specific. A discriminant analysis showed
that only features of previous sexual communication separated all three groups whereas specific
mother-adolescent relationship features (open communication and structure) and one adolescent
characteristic (expected outcomes) separated the unlikely group from the other groups.
Conclusions: Young adolescents' intentions of being responsive to sexual communication from
their mother are diverse yet general in nature. Mothers' engagement in sexual communication
appears essential for youths' openness to these discussions. Enhancing specific mother-adolescent
relationship features and youths’ outcome expectations may shift adolescents who are resistant to
sexuality discussions to being more sure.
1. Introduction
Communication between parents and their adolescents about sexual health topics has the potential to be a win-win situation for
both parties. For parents, sexual communication is an opportunity to fulfill one of their acknowledged responsibilities by providing
information that can prevent negative sexual outcomes and sharing attitudes and values (Flores & Barroso, 2017; Jerman &
Constantine, 2010). For adolescents, sexual communication is an opportunity to gain factual information and practical skills from one
of their preferred sources of sexu.
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For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
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Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
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Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
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In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
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Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
2 Peter 3: Because some scriptures are hard to understand and some will force them to say things God never intended, Peter warns us to take care.
https://youtu.be/nV4kGHFsEHw
2. Introduction In the last several decades research has been conducted to determine if Gay and Lesbian parents are as competent as heterosexual parents (Patterson, 2009). It was originally thought that Gay and Lesbian parents could not provide children with an environment that would lead to normalcy and a healthy upbringing. Yet the rights to marry and bear or rear children are fundamental rights here in the United States. The government in the United States of America unlike some of the other countries in the world is a democracy, one that tends to pride itself with tolerance.
3. Yet many feel uncomfortable and threatened at the idea of Gay and Lesbians being married and raising families. What this literature review is attempting to uncover are the facts and research which should determine whether or not there is any difference in the parenting effectiveness of gays/lesbians when compared to heterosexual parenting .
4. The hypothesis is that there is no difference in the parenting effectiveness of gays/lesbians when compared to heterosexual parenting. All of the research that was reviewed points out that gay and lesbians are effective at providing a nurturing and healthy environment for their children. There were no studies found that advocated against gays and lesbians having these rights, or that stated they were not capable of being competent or nurturing. The APA also supports gay and lesbians being parents because there is no evidence that proves they are fundamentally different than heterosexual parents ( Crawford, Jordan, McLeod, Zamboni, 1999 ).
5.
6. An empirical study was conducted comparing children from 106 different families where these families were divided up into by 27 lesbian, 29 gay, and 50 heterosexual couples (Farr, Forssell, Patterson, 2010). Teachers unanimously reported that these children were all developing along average tendencies. “Measures of children's adjustment, parenting approaches, parenting stress, and couple relationship adjustment were not significantly associated with parental sexual orientation,” (Farr, Forssell, Patterson, 2010). This study concluded that sexual orientation did not play a significant role in child development .
7. In another empirical study 44 adolescents aged 12-18 from same sex couples were compared to 44 adolescents of the same age from heterosexual couples. The purpose of this study was to determine if there were significant differences between these two groups in psychosocial adjustment, school outcomes, and romantic relationships (Patterson, Russell, Wainright 2004). Interestingly regardless of family type students who reported a close relationship with their parents had better school adjustment.
8. This is an important find because it demonstrates that children who come from families of same sex parents are not disadvantaged academically in any way. Family type had no effect on romantic relationships that were developed, or in psychosocial adjustment. This shows that gay and lesbian couples are just as effective at parenting because being raised by same sex couples does not determine sexual orientation or psychosocial development. Another common argument against gays and lesbians being parents is that children need both a mother and a father or masculine and feminine figures or role models in their lives to develop into healthy adults.
9. An empirical study that compared children raised by lesbian mothers, children who were raised by heterosexual single mothers, and children who were raised by heterosexual couples found that there were no significant differences in parenting or development in children who were raised by a woman or women (Golombok, MacCallum 2004). These children did not have any social or emotional development issues due to having a missing father. Boys did show more feminine but no less masculine characteristics of gender role behavior (Golombok, MacCallum 2004).
10. Similarly in another study researchers looked into children raised by lesbian mothers and if this situation had any effect on their psychosexual development. The idea was whether or not boys could or should be raised by two mothers because this might affect their ability to develop masculine qualities. What was found was that being raised by two mothers did not have any adverse or negative effects on these children ( Heineman, 2004 )Another study was conducted using the home video footage of children growing up in both same sex families and heterosexual families.
11. Another study was conducted using the home video footage of children growing up in both same sex families and heterosexual families. The findings were that even though it was obvious that sexual orientation and tendencies start to develop at a young age, sometimes even before the child hits puberty, there was no evidence to suggest that being raised by same sex parents influenced the outcome of a child’s sexual orientation ( Bailey, Gygax, Linsenmeier, Rieger 2008 ).
12. In a final study 100 lesbian two mother families were compared with 100 heterosexual families that had naturally conceived. What was found was that “lesbian parents are no less competent or burdened than heterosexual parents,” ((Bos, Van Balen, Van Den Boom 2004). Conformity was found to less important to lesbian parents, yet developing qualities of independence were equally important to lesbian parents and heterosexual parents. Lesbian parents also felt that they had to justify the quality of their parenting often. These studies all point to the same conclusions in support of the original hypothesis that there is no difference in the parenting effectiveness of gays/lesbians when compared to heterosexual parenting.
13. Legal Rights In the U.S.A there are many states which do not legally recognize gay and lesbian couples, either by giving them very little or no rights at all as parents (Patterson, 2009). These laws and regulations are often times based off of negative assumptions and stereotypes regarding gays and lesbians as being incompetent parents. However there is no empirical research that supports the many negative assumptions and stereotypes surrounding gays and lesbians as both parents and individuals. Because of the lack of legal protection and rights some gay’s and lesbian’s choose to live a sort of double life to avoid harassment and interference in their family life.
14. This includes not even “coming out” at work, or even to some family and friends for fear of repercussions (Griffith, Hebl 2002). These conditions make it difficult for same sex couples to adopt and raise children openly within their communities even though research actually supports that they are equally effective and competent at parenting as heterosexual couples. That is another reason why legal protection would benefit the children of these same sex couples, because these families should be able to live openly and be able to participate in regular family traditions and celebrations ( Oswald, 2002 ).
15. Future Research In the future more research needs to be conducted to further determine how the children of same sex couples are affected psychologically from the discrimination that their parents face including not having equal rights. Having a family life that is markedly different from their peers, these children too most likely face harassment in the form of being teased or ostracized simply because they come from same sex families.
16. There might be psychological implications and if so these need to be defined. The information gathered based on empirical research can be used in several ways. First to further educate and enforce the facts which show that gay and lesbians parents are in no way less effective than heterosexual parents. Secondly this information that is gathered can be used in consideration towards gays and lesbians being deserving of equal rights as parents.
17. References Bailey, J.M; Gygax, L.; Linsenmeier, J.A.W.; Rieger, G. (2008). Sexual orientation and childhood gender nonconformity; evidence from home videos. Developmental Psychology ; 44,1, 46-58. Bos, Henny M. W.; Van Balen, Frank; Van Den Boom, Dymphna C. (2004). Experience of parenthood, couple relationship, social support, and child-rearing goals in planned lesbian mother families. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry ; 469-761. Crawford, I.; Jordan, M.B.; McLeod, A.; Zamboni, B.D. (1999). Psychologists attitudes toward gay and lesbian parenting. Professional Psychology; Research and Practice; 30, 4, 394-401. Golombok, S.; MacCallum, F. (2004). Children raised in fatherless families from infancy: a follow-up of children of lesbian and single heterosexual mothers at early adolescence. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry ; 50,8, 450-467 Golombok, S.; Tasker, F. (1996). Do parents influence the sexual orientation of their children? Findings from a longitudinal study of lesbian families. Developmental Psychology; 32, 1, 3-11.
18. References Golombok, S.; MacCallum, F. (2004). Children raised in fatherless families from infancy: a follow-up of children of lesbian and single heterosexual mothers at early adolescence. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry ; 50,8, 450-467 Golombok, S.; Tasker, F. (1996). Do parents influence the sexual orientation of their children? Findings from a longitudinal study of lesbian families. Developmental Psychology; 32, 1, 3-11. Griffith, K.H.; Hebl, M.R. (2002). The disclosure dilemma for gay men and lesbians; “Coming out” at work. Journal of Applied Psychology; 87, 6, 1191-1199. Heineman, T.V. (2004). A boy and two mothers: new variations on an old theme or a new story on triangulation? Psychoanalytic Psychology; 21, 1, 99-115 . Oswald, F.R. (2002). Inclusion and belonging in the family rituals of gay and lesbian people. Journal of Family Psychology; 16, 4, 428-436.
19. References Patterson, C.J. (2009). Children of lesbian and gay parents; psychology, law, and policy. American Psychologis t; 727-736. Patterson, C.J. (1995). Sexual orientation and human development: an overview. Developmental Psychology; 31, 1, 3-11. Patterson, C. J.; Russell S.T.; Wainright, J.L. (2004). Psychosocial adjustment, school outcomes, and romantic relationships of adolescent with same-sex parents. Journal of Child Development ; 375-382. Shiller, V.M. (2007). Science and advocacy issues in research of children from gay and lesbian parents. American Psychologist; 712-713.
Editor's Notes
This literature review is very relevant to other hot topics of gay and lesbian rights. It is important for main stream society to know the facts and hopefully this information will help to dispose of old biases.
It was interesting to me that there were a good amount of studies out there that supported my hypothesis. When I first chose this topic to research I was not so sure I would find enough material.
I would like to note that whether you are a parent from a heterosexual couple or a parent from a gay or lesbian couple you will feel from time to time the need to justify the quality of your parenting. However gay and lesbian couples have to make this justification more often because they are often looked down on as competent parents. Having to justify your ability to be a good parent is frustrating and emotionally painful.
It is my hope that in the near future there will begin to be reforms in the laws and legal rights that gay and lesbian couples are protected by .
These research topics are very important to the future of gays and lesbians in the U.S.
All of my references were found on my school library and are peer reviewed.