Same-sex parents’ sentiment about parenthood and the law: Implications for therapeutic outcomes

Abstract

As same-sex parents begin to adopt/conceive children more frequently, the legal system must determine the parental rights and responsibilities of parents who separate. In order to inform judges and legislators’ decisions, this research investigated same-sex parents’ sentiment about their roles and responsibilities as well as their experiences (as parents) with law and society. Quantitative and qualitative analyses suggested that same-sex parents assumed high amounts of parental responsibility, demonstrated strong parent-child bonds, and took on fundamental roles in their children’s lives. Many parents reported that they (or their partner) could not establish legal rights, leading to negative physical and emotional outcomes. Implications for therapeutic outcomes are discussed.