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Liu F, Chong ESK. Effects of sexual orientation-based prejudice and discrimination in family of origin on depressive symptoms and life satisfaction in a Chinese sample: Reciprocal and authoritarian filial piety as moderators. FAMILY PROCESS 2024. [PMID: 38784985 DOI: 10.1111/famp.13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Experiencing prejudice and discrimination from family has been found to be positively associated with mental health problems among sexual minorities. Emerging evidence also shows the value of contextualizing the internalization of minority stress by considering individual cultural factors, such as filial piety. We examined whether authoritarian filial piety (AFP) and reciprocal filial piety (RFP) moderated the link between distal stressors in one's family and mental health outcomes. A total of 362 (56.9% male; age: M = 24.55, SD = 6.60) Chinese lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer/questioning, and other non-heterosexual (LGBQ+) individuals participated in this study. They provided demographic information and completed a battery of measures for AFP and RFP, sexual orientation-based prejudice and discrimination in family of origin (SOPDF), depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction. Structural equation modeling results showed that SOPDF had a positive and negative link with depressive symptoms and life satisfaction, respectively. In addition, we identified AFP and RFP as significant moderators for the association between SOPDF and depressive symptoms, and the association between SOPDF and life satisfaction, respectively. Specifically, the positive effect of SOPDF on depressive symptoms was greater for participants with higher levels of AFP; the negative effect of SOPDF on life satisfaction was greater for participants who endorsed higher levels of RFP. Our findings corroborated past studies' conclusion about the detrimental impact of familial sexual stigma on LGBQ+ people's mental health. Furthermore, such impact on negative and positive mental health outcomes are respectively conditioned by the degree to which LGBQ+ individuals endorse AFP and RFP. These findings underscore the importance for therapists who endorse family therapy to help LGBQ+ clients navigate familial sexual stigma and consider the role of filial piety beliefs in shaping the impact of familial sexual stigma on these clients' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangsong Liu
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
- Center of Mental Health Education and Research, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Eddie S K Chong
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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Marchesi-Ullastres Á, Pérez-García EM, Lucena-Ferrero R, Martín-Babarro J. Exploring the intersection of gender identity and homoparental family structure: Implications for educational, family and personal well-being in Spanish students. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38634638 DOI: 10.1111/bjdp.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the relationship among self-perceived gender, family type (heteroparental or homoparental) and socioeconomic factors concerning various educational, family and personal well-being domains. The data are derived from a large sample of 69,088 students from 465 schools (65% public; 35% private or semi-private) in Spain. Five separate multi-level generalized mixed (logistic or linear) regression models were calculated. Key findings include that non-binary students from homoparental families reported lower evaluations in multiple dimensions, suggesting the need for additional support. Likewise, students from homoparental families exhibited lower personal well-being and family relationship assessments, possibly due to perceived social stigmatization and peer bullying. This study sheds light on the complexities of gender identity and family type in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues for students' well-being and academic success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva María Pérez-García
- Department of Research and Psychology in Education, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Javier Martín-Babarro
- Department of Research and Psychology in Education, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Silveira GBD, Roggia GB, Rigue J, Kruel CS. Male homoparenting and its challenges: an integrative literature review. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2024; 29:e19382023. [PMID: 38655965 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232024294.19382023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to elucidate the challenges faced in the exercise of male homoparenting, through an integrative literature review. Following PRISMA guidelines, empirical studies from the last 22 years were analyzed, independently collected by four researchers using the PubMed and APA PsychNet databases, with the descriptors "Homosexuality, Male" and "Father". The results reveal the unique and complex reality faced by homosexual men in the parental context. While some studies highlight significant challenges, such as stigmas and social prejudices, others do not observe such difficulties. The decision to become a father among homosexual men is influenced by factors specific to their reality, in a context where parenthood is not widely accepted. The findings of this study emphasize the need to understand the complex interactions among individual, social, and cultural factors in male homoparenting. In summary, this study highlights the need for inclusive and diversity-sensitive approaches to support family well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joselaine Rigue
- Universidade Franciscana. R. dos Andradas 1614, Centro. 97010-032 Santa Maria RS Brasil.
| | - Cristina Saling Kruel
- Universidade Franciscana. R. dos Andradas 1614, Centro. 97010-032 Santa Maria RS Brasil.
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Yee S, Mamone AA, Fatima M, Sharon-Weiner M, Librach CL. Parenthood desire, perceived parenthood stigma, and barriers to achieving parenthood in childless sexual minority men. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03098-6. [PMID: 38520619 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03098-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the parenthood desire, perceived parenthood stigma, and barriers to achieving parenthood among sexual minority men (SMM) in Canada, and to investigate factors influencing their fertility and assisted reproductive knowledge. METHODS Data were collected from March to mid-June 2023 using a 78-item anonymous online survey. Childless cisgender SMM (age 18+) living in Canada were recruited from the LGBTQIA+ community outside the fertility care networks. Chi-square, t-tests, ANOVA, reliability tests, Spearman's correlation, and hierarchical regression model were used for analysis. RESULTS Over 160 people clicked the survey hyperlink during the study period and 112 completed surveys were analyzed. The mean age of participants was 33.2±8.5 (range: 19.7-60.0). Having a child by any means was "quite"/"very" important to 35.7% (n=40), yet 56.0% (n=61) thought it was "unlikely" to achieve parenthood. Financial readiness (n=90, 85.7%) and relationship stability (n=86, 81.9%) were the two most "important" parenthood considerations. Participants who were non-white (p=0.017), under age 30 (p=0.008), and had no siblings (p=0.024) had significantly higher means of parenthood desire compared to others. The final hierarchical regression model explained 43% of the variance in the knowledge scores (R2adj =0.353), predicted by the levels of (i) education (β=0.37, p<0.001), (ii) family acceptance of sexual orientation (β=0.39, p=0.004), and (iii) parenthood desire (β=0.27, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS With an increasing number of SMM desiring children, it is pivotal to advance family-building equality through improving their fertility and assisted reproductive knowledge, removing disparities in accessing adoption and assisted reproductive services, and decreasing social stigma against SMM having children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Yee
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Amar A Mamone
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryam Fatima
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maya Sharon-Weiner
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Clifford L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Endocrinology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Farr RH, Cashen KK, Siebenthaler KA, Simon KA. Microaggression and discrimination experiences among diverse youth with LGBTQ+ parents in the United States. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2024. [PMID: 38339824 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Family-based microaggressions and discrimination experienced by youth with LGBTQ+ parents are important to understand from their perspectives. Using mixed methods, we examined such experiences among 12- to 25-year-old youth (N = 51) with at least one LGBTQ+ parent in the United States. Youth were diverse in race/ethnicity, family structure, gender and sexual identities, socioeconomic status, and geographic region. Using interviews, we explored LGBTQ+ family-based microaggressions (reported through scale items with feedback) and discrimination (assessed via thematic analysis). Microaggressions and discrimination based on having LGBTQ+ parents were common, yet there were distinctions in direct and indirect stigma across the quantitative items and qualitative themes. These results underscore the value of mixed methods research with youth and implications for future research, practice, and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kay A Simon
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Fortunato A, Quintigliano M, Carone N, De Simone S, Lingiardi V, Speranza AM. Parenting, dyadic coping, and child emotion regulation in lesbian, gay, and heterosexual parent families through assisted reproduction. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2023:1-17. [PMID: 38018089 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2023.2287678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The present study examined the associations between family structure, parenting, and dyadic coping and children's emotion regulation in lesbian, gay, and heterosexual parent families through assisted reproduction. It also explored differences in parenting dimensions and dyadic coping, based on parents' sexual orientation. METHODS Participants were 60 lesbian mothers through donor insemination, 50 gay fathers through surrogacy, and 42 heterosexual parents through gamete donation, all with a child aged 6-12 years (M = 8.67; SD = 2.16; 48.68% females) and residing in Italy. In each family, both parents reported parenting stress, parent - child relational self-efficacy, parental control, dyadic coping, and their perception of the child's emotion regulation. RESULTS Mixed models indicated no significant differences between family types in parenting stress and use of a controlling parenting style. However, lesbian mothers reported higher parent - child relational self-efficacy than heterosexual parents, and higher dyadic coping strategies than gay fathers. Also, children of gay fathers showed greater emotion regulation than children of heterosexual parents. Across family types, higher levels of parenting stress and dyadic coping, and lower levels of parent - child relational self-efficacy were associated with lower child emotion regulation. CONCLUSION Given that in middle childhood, across family types, better emotional regulation was associated with lower parenting stress and dyadic coping, and greater effectiveness in the parent - child relationship clinical work should focus on the parent's and couple's ability to cooperatively manage stressors while maintaining a balanced focus on their children's resources and autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandro Fortunato
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies of the "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Quintigliano
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies of the "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Carone
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia De Simone
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies of the "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Speranza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies of the "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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D'Amore S, Green RJ, Mouton B, Carone N. European gay fathers via surrogacy: Parenting, social support, anti-gay microaggressions, and child behavior problems. FAMILY PROCESS 2023. [PMID: 37918437 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated child behavior problems, parenting styles, coparenting, and couple relationship satisfaction in 67 European gay father families via surrogacy and 67 European heterosexual parent families via unassisted conception, all with children aged 1.5-10 years (M = 3.57 years, SD = 2.09). The two family groups were matched for child age and gender. In the gay father group only, the associations between family anti-gay microaggressions, family/friend support, and other main variables also were explored. Children of gay fathers had fewer externalizing and internalizing problems compared to children of heterosexual parents. Also, gay fathers reported more effective parenting styles, greater coparenting quality, and higher couple relationship satisfaction compared to heterosexual parents. Overall, child externalizing problems (i.e., aggression, rule-breaking) and internalizing problems (i.e., anxiety, depression) were more strongly associated with being raised in a heterosexual parent family, more authoritarian parenting, and lower positive coparenting. Specific to the gay father sample, anti-gay microaggressions experienced by family members were associated with more child internalizing problems, lower positive coparenting, and lower social support from family and friends. These results refute concerns about possible detrimental effects on child development of surrogacy conception or of being raised by gay fathers. The results further suggest that family therapists treating child behavior problems should focus mainly on improving the coparenting relationship, reducing authoritarian/punitive parenting styles, and (for gay father families specifically) coping with anti-gay microaggressions and lack of social support outside the nuclear family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore D'Amore
- Faculty of Psychological Sciences and Education, DéFaSy (Centre de Recherche sur la Psychologie du Développement, de la Famille et des Systèmes Humains), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Robert-Jay Green
- California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Benedicte Mouton
- Faculty of Psychological Sciences and Education, DéFaSy (Centre de Recherche sur la Psychologie du Développement, de la Famille et des Systèmes Humains), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Nicola Carone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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8
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Bos HMW, Carone N, Rothblum ED, Koh AS, Gartrell NK. Long-Term Effects of Family Resilience on the Subjective Well-Being of Offspring in the National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5149. [PMID: 36982058 PMCID: PMC10048869 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The current study used a family resilience approach to investigate why some offspring of sexual minority parents thrive despite homophobic stigmatization while others do not. Specifically, the study explored the role of two specific family functioning mechanisms (i.e., during adolescence, disclosure of offspring's personal life to their parents, and family compatibility) in the association between experienced homophobic stigmatization at age 17 and subjective well-being at age 25, among 71 offspring (37 females and 34 males, all cisgender) of the National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study (NLLFS). The results showed that, overall, the offspring reported healthy subjective well-being as emerging adults. However, among NLLFS offspring with less family compatibility as adolescents, homophobic stigmatization was related to higher scores on negative affect when they were emerging adults. Psychological counseling that supports adolescent-parent communication may help prevent the negative effect of homophobic stigmatization on the subjective well-being of offspring with sexual minority parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henny M. W. Bos
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicola Carone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Esther D. Rothblum
- Williams Institute, Los Angeles School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Women’s Studies, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Audrey S. Koh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Nanette K. Gartrell
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Williams Institute, Los Angeles School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Kazmierski KFM, Borelli JL, Rao U. Multidimensional Discrimination Distress, Controlling Parenting, and Parent-Adolescent Attachment Relationships: Racial/Ethnic Differences. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES 2023; 79:334-359. [PMID: 37181926 PMCID: PMC10181804 DOI: 10.1111/josi.12525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Parents have multifaceted identities, across dimensions like race/ethnicity, gender, and class, which shape their experience of discrimination. However, little is known about how distress from such multidimensional discrimination influences parenting behavior and parent-adolescent relationships. We tested associations between mothers' multidimensional discrimination distress and parental control (overcontrol and conditional regard) and daughters' attachment, among 82 African American (AA), Hispanic/Latina (HL), and non-Hispanic White (NHW) mother-adolescent daughter dyads in the United States. Additionally, we examined whether these associations vary by race/ethnicity. Mothers reported their distress due to multidimensional discrimination and adolescents reported mothers' overcontrol, mothers' conditional regard, and adolescents' attachment to mothers. Across racial/ethnic groups, more multidimensional discrimination distress was associated with more maternal overcontrol. Additionally, racial/ethnic groups differed in associations between discrimination, maternal conditional regard, and adolescent attachment, such that AA mothers were buffered from the deleterious effects of discrimination on conditional regard and adolescent attachment. HL mothers were buffered from effects on adolescent attachment and conditional regard for anger expression, but not fear expression. Findings suggest that stigmatized racial/ethnic groups may rely on adaptive cultural practices to parent effectively in the face of multidimensional discrimination distress, but these resources may not be available to NHW mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Uma Rao
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Psychological Science
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Pediatrics
- University of California, Irvine, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
- Children’s Hospital of Orange County
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GARRO M, AYLLON ALONSO E, QUATROSI G. Italian gay fathers for surrogacy and research visibility. GAZZETTA MEDICA ITALIANA ARCHIVIO PER LE SCIENZE MEDICHE 2023. [DOI: 10.23736/s0393-3660.22.04835-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Shenkman G, Carone N, Mouton B, d’Amore S, Bos HMW. Assisted Conception Socialization Self-Efficacy Among Israeli Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Parent Families and its Association with Child Externalizing Problems. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2023; 32:180-196. [PMID: 35308412 PMCID: PMC8919160 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-022-02286-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This questionnaire-based study compared 36 Israeli lesbian mother families (n = 72 lesbian mothers) formed by donor insemination, 39 Israeli gay father families (n = 78 gay fathers) formed by gestational surrogacy, and 36 Israeli heterosexual parent families (n = 72 heterosexual parents) formed by assisted reproduction (without donated gametes), all with a target child aged 3-10 years. The families were examined for parents' assisted conception socialization self-efficacy, depression, negative and positive affect, life satisfaction, positivity, resilience, social support, and child externalizing problems. Multiple factors associated with child externalizing problems were also examined. Multilevel modeling analyses indicated that parents' assisted conception socialization self-efficacy did not differ between family groups; however, lesbian mothers and gay fathers reported fewer child externalizing problems and greater social support, relative to heterosexual parents. Also, lesbian mothers-but not gay fathers-reported lower levels of depression, greater life satisfaction, and more positivity than did heterosexual parents. Finally, irrespective of family type, greater assisted conception socialization self-efficacy was associated with fewer parent-reported child externalizing problems. Findings are interpreted in light of the cultural socialization framework and Israel's familistic and pronatalist environment. Implications for health professionals, educators, and policymakers working with diverse family forms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geva Shenkman
- School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Herzliya, Israel
| | - Nicola Carone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Bénédicte Mouton
- Research Centre of Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology and Psychosomatics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Salvatore d’Amore
- Research Centre of Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology and Psychosomatics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Henny M. W. Bos
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Carneiro FAT, Leong V, Nóbrega S, Salinas-Quiroz F, Costa PA, Leal I. Are the children alright? A systematic review of psychological adjustment of children conceived by assisted reproductive technologies. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022:10.1007/s00787-022-02129-w. [PMID: 36580112 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02129-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The present systematic review aims to assess the psychological adjustment of children born through assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) and to screen for clinical problems when compared with normative data from the standardized indexes of mental health. Following PRISMA guidelines, the search was conducted from inception through September 2021 using APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, Academic Search Complete, Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, and RCAAP. Search terms related to ART and children's psychological adjustment were combined to Boolean operators to identify relevant published studies in English, French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. Peer-reviewed studies focused on the psychological adjustment of ART children aged between the 3 and 11 years were included. From a total of 337 results, 45 papers were eligible to be included in this review. Data extraction was performed independently by two authors and revised and confirmed by other two authors. All children scored below the clinical range for psychiatric symptoms when compared with normative data for the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) or the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA), regardless of type of ART and different family configurations. Further, some evidence suggests that surrogacy children with gay fathers present the lowest levels of psychological problems when compared to normative data. These findings enable practitioners to develop an informed view of ART children mental health outcomes to help parents find more adaptive strategies to navigate their chosen pathways in healthier ways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valéria Leong
- ISPA-University Institute, 1100-304, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Nóbrega
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, 2311 EZ, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fernando Salinas-Quiroz
- Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development (EPCSHD), School of Art and Sciences, Tufts University, 02155, Medford, USA
| | - Pedro Alexandre Costa
- William James Center for Research, ISPA-University Institute, 1100-304, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Leal
- William James Center for Research, ISPA-University Institute, 1100-304, Lisbon, Portugal
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13
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Attitudes of parents in the role of a father in Turkey toward child sex education and their sexual communication with their children. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 69:e105-e113. [PMID: 36585347 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The study aimed to evaluate the attitudes of parents in the role of a father in Turkey toward child sex education and their sexual communication with their children. METHODS This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with the fathers of children in the pediatric outpatient clinic at a state hospital between December 30, 2021, and April 15, 2022. The study was reported based on STROBE. The data were collected from 297 fathers using the Descriptive Information Form, the Attitudes Scale Toward Sex education (ASTSE), and the Sexual Communication Scale for Parents(SCSP). RESULTS Sample statistics demonstrate that 67.7% of the participants did not receive sex education in their childhood, and 57.4% stated that their children received sex education only from their mothers. Higher attitudes toward sexual education were found in the fathers with a university or higher education degree (χ2 = 15.396; p < 0.01), and those giving sex education to their children (χ2 = 18.388;p < 0.001). Higher total scores were obtained on the sexual communication scale by fathers with university and higher education degrees (χ2 = 12.898;p < 0.01) and those who received sex education in their childhood (t = 2.330;p = 0.021). There is a highly significant positive correlation between the mean scores of the role of a parent subscale of the ASTSE and the mean total score of the SCSP (r = 0.81;p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS There is a positive correlation between fathers' parental role attitudes toward sex education and their sexual communication with their children. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Supporting fathers' sexual communication with their children can positively affect fathers' attitudes and communication toward sex education.
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Quintigliano M, Carone N, Speranza AM, Tanzilli A, Baiocco R, Barone L, Pastorelli C, Lingiardi V. Adolescent Development and the Parent-Adolescent Relationship in Diverse Family Forms Created by Assisted Reproduction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16758. [PMID: 36554637 PMCID: PMC9778924 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs) are employed by single individuals and couples who are not otherwise able to conceive spontaneously. While the use of ARTs is increasing, research is lacking on the attempts made by adolescent offspring conceived via ARTs to integrate their ART conception into their identity and negotiate a connection with, and autonomy from, their parents. The present article reviews studies investigating adolescent development and the parent-adolescent relationship in diverse family forms created by ARTs (mainly heterosexual and lesbian parent families), and discusses the results in light of attachment, identity development, and emotional distance regulation theories. Overall, the results indicate that the psychological adjustment of adolescents conceived via ARTs is not undermined by the manner of their conception, and that they enjoy positive relationships with their parents with no difference from those enjoyed by spontaneously conceived adolescents. However, it remains unknown whether the development of a reproductive identity in adolescence is likely to influence adolescents' interest in searching for or contacting their donors, surrogates, and/or donor siblings. The results suggest the relevance of considering the parent-adolescent relationship, disclosure, and identity formation issues when planning psychological counseling and support interventions with ART parents and their adolescent offspring, and emphasize the need to further investigate these aspects in diverse ART families, including single-, gay-, bisexual-, and trans*-parent families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Quintigliano
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Carone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 11, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Speranza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tanzilli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Barone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 11, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Concetta Pastorelli
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
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15
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Pereira H. Children of Single Fathers Created by Surrogacy: Psychosocial Adjustment Considerations and Implications for Research and Practice. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:1644. [PMID: 36360372 PMCID: PMC9688871 DOI: 10.3390/children9111644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The existence of single-father families formed by surrogacy is becoming a more visible reality, even though this type of family organization is still perceived with stigma and negative attitudes by more traditional sectors of society, because it raises some concerns regarding the psychosocial well-being of children who are born into single-fathers' families via surrogacy, and in many cases, to gay single men who wish to become fathers. On the other hand, available research on the psychosocial well-being of these children is still very scarce and limited to a handful of Western countries. Hence, it is of utmost importance to examine studies that explore the psychosocial adjustment of these children. In this mini review, I show that all the studies revised demonstrate the good psychosocial adjustment of these children, and that they are as likely to flourish as children born into traditional families, even if they may find themselves exposed to prejudice and stigma. In conclusion, single fatherhood and surrogacy do not contribute to any adverse consequences to the children's psychosocial development and adjustment, and there is no observed evidence to why single men, irrespective of their sexual orientation, should not be fathers via surrogacy. Finally, implications for future research and interventions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Pereira
- Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Pόlo IV, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal;
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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16
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Guo J, Liu Y, Chen Y, Chai G, Zhao X. Psychological support for public-funded normal students engaged in teaching profession. Front Psychol 2022; 13:940431. [PMID: 35967614 PMCID: PMC9374101 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.940431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among primary and secondary school teachers in China, 70% of teachers believe that they are facing greater occupational pressure. 63.8% of teachers clearly stated that occupational pressure has caused a great or great impact on themselves. And this has had negative effects on them such as mental, physical and personal development. This article studies the group of public-funded normal students from the perspective of psychological support. This article uses the SCL-90 form to investigate the professional psychology of teachers for the psychological support of public-funded normal students engaged in the teaching profession. And it conducts a survey on the curriculum setting and satisfaction of the public-funded normal students during their study stage. The experimental results of this article show that only 11.9% of public-funded normal students are very willing to take root and serve township education. Moreover, the psychological pressure of teachers at different educational stages is quite different.
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Affiliation(s)
- JunRu Guo
- College of National Culture and Cognitive Science, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yu Liu
- College of National Culture and Cognitive Science, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Liu,
| | - YuRong Chen
- Student Work Department, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang, China
| | - GuoLiang Chai
- College of Physical Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - XiaoQing Zhao
- Student Work Department, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang, China
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17
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DeMartini SE, Altenburger LE, Hazen NL, Gallegos MI, Carone N. Editorial: Family men: Fathers as coparents in diverse contexts and family structures. Front Psychol 2022; 13:975991. [PMID: 35936323 PMCID: PMC9355682 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.975991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. DeMartini
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Chico, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Sarah E. DeMartini
| | - Lauren E. Altenburger
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State Shenango, Sharon, PA, United States
| | - Nancy L. Hazen
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | | | - Nicola Carone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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18
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Fantus S. Experiences of gestational surrogacy for gay men in Canada. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2021; 23:1361-1374. [PMID: 32876535 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2020.1784464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports on findings from a qualitative study that examined how Canada's socio-political context influenced gestational surrogacy for same-sex male couples. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with gay fathers and gestational surrogates to investigate supports and barriers of pursuing surrogacy. Questions explored publicly available information, policies and practices of fertility clinics and hospitals, post-birth resources and cultural attitudes regarding same-sex parenthood. Findings suggest that in Canada, a global leader in LGBT rights and inclusive same-sex parenting legislation, participants encountered inadequate same-sex inclusive resources and insufficient provider competencies. The aim of this study was to inform individual and institutional recommendations to counteract biases in fertility care and post-birth services. Following interview analysis, five key strategies were identified: (1) more accessible information on paths to same-sex parenthood; (2) more inclusive fertility clinic and hospital practices; (3) recognition of same-sex fatherhood in formal documentation; (4) post-birth resources such as formula feeding, play groups and first aid courses intended for same-sex parent families; and (5) shifts in cultural attitudes of same-sex parenthood and, specifically, gay fatherhood. Approaches that subvert heteronormative discourses embedded in fertility and reproduction are required to legitimise and support same-sex parent families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Fantus
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Social Work Complex, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
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19
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Carone N, Bos HMW, Shenkman G, Tasker F. Editorial: LGBTQ Parents and Their Children During the Family Life Cycle. Front Psychol 2021; 12:643647. [PMID: 33679568 PMCID: PMC7930207 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.643647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Carone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Henny M. W. Bos
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geva Shenkman
- Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya (IDC), Hertzlya, Israel
| | - Fiona Tasker
- Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Science, Birkbeck University of London, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Jadva V. Postdelivery adjustment of gestational carriers, intended parents, and their children. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:903-907. [PMID: 32312560 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Surrogacy raises a number of concerns about the psychological adjustment of the surrogate, the parents, and the child. Despite surrogacy becoming more common, research into the postdelivery psychological adjustment of the individuals involved has lagged far behind. This review examines research on the psychological adjustment of surrogates and their children. It then presents findings from studies assessing parents' psychological health and parent-child relationships, and children's adjustment within families formed through surrogacy. Finally, it examines how children born through surrogacy feel about their birth and toward their surrogate. Overall, studies have shown good psychological outcomes for surrogates, parents, and children, but research is still very limited, particularly in relation to the geographical location of the research, the ages of the children studied, and the lack of longitudinal projects. Different forms of surrogacy now exist under the umbrella term of "surrogacy." There is now greater diversity in terms of who is using surrogacy, their motivations for using it, whose gametes are used for the pregnancy, and how a surrogacy arrangement is managed. There is therefore a need for future studies to examine the consequences of these different forms of surrogacy on the postdelivery psychological health of surrogates, surrogacy parents, and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasanti Jadva
- Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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21
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Farr RH, Vázquez CP. Stigma Experiences, Mental Health, Perceived Parenting Competence, and Parent-Child Relationships Among Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Adoptive Parents in the United States. Front Psychol 2020; 11:445. [PMID: 32296365 PMCID: PMC7141157 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive parents often face stigma related to "non-traditional" family structures. Lesbian and gay (LG) adoptive parents often face additional stigmatization based on sexual identity, which in turn may negatively affect parents' mental health. Despite controversy about LG parenting, research demonstrates that family processes are more strongly associated with individual outcomes than family structure. Thus, family systems and minority stress theories provided our conceptual foundation in examining how adoptive LG parents' stigma experiences were associated with mental health, parenting competence, and parent-child relationships. Participating families (N = 106; n = 56 LG parent families) were originally recruited from five US domestic private infant adoption agencies and completed two waves of data collection (W1, W2; 91% retention) when children were preschool-age (M age = 3.01 years) and school-age (M age = 8.36 years), respectively. Data for the current study are largely drawn from W2. Via Qualtrics, parents completed assessments of mental health symptoms, adoption stigma, and perceived childcare competence. LG parents also reported on their experiences of homonegative microaggressions, and children responded to a measure about their relationships with parents. No significant differences emerged as a function of parental sexual orientation and gender except that lesbian mothers, heterosexual mothers, and gay fathers all reported higher parenting competence than heterosexual fathers. Although parents' mental health did not significantly predict parent-child relationship quality, parents' perceived competence and LG parents' current homonegative microaggression experiences did (e.g., greater competence, greater closeness; more microaggressions, lower closeness). Consistent with our conceptual framework, our results-derived from parent and child reports-demonstrate that although adoptive and LG parent families experience stigma, family processes (rather than structure) are most associated with individual outcomes. Researchers, policy makers, and practitioners should work together to employ identity-affirming practices to reduce stigma and support adoptive family functioning and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H. Farr
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Shenkman G, Siboni O, Tasker F, Costa PA. Pathways to Fatherhood: Psychological Well-Being Among Israeli Gay Fathers Through Surrogacy, Gay Fathers Through Previous Heterosexual Relationships, and Heterosexual Fathers. Front Psychol 2020; 11:91. [PMID: 32063878 PMCID: PMC7000545 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored differences in psychological well-being as assessed by life satisfaction, parenthood satisfaction, depressive symptoms and the Big Five personality dimensions among 219 Israeli fathers; 76 gay men who had become fathers through a heterosexual relationship, 63 gay men who had become fathers through surrogacy, and 78 heterosexual men. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, gay fathers through surrogacy reported greater satisfaction with parenthood, greater satisfaction with their lives, and reported higher levels of extraversion when compared to heterosexual fathers. No significant differences emerged between the three groups on depressive symptoms, neuroticism, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness to experience. These findings emphasize the predominant similarities and some possible differences on psychological well-being between the different paths to fatherhood. This study is one of the first to compare several paths to fatherhood on psychological well-being, thus illuminating the contribution of fatherhood route to psychological well-being in an era where gay men are increasingly becoming fathers in diverse ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geva Shenkman
- School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Ofer Siboni
- School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Fiona Tasker
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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23
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Tušl M, Gato J, Tasker F, Figueroa V. Czech psychology students‘ attitudes towards same-sex parenting. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2019.1674365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Tušl
- Department of Psychology, Charles University in Prague, Prague 1, Czech Republic
| | - Jorge Gato
- Centre for Psychology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fiona Tasker
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Victor Figueroa
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Artes, Ciencias y Comunicación, Santiago, Chile
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