Sexual Minority Mothers

A Dyadic Exploration of Stigma, Identity, Support, and Parental Wellbeing

Bibliographic Data

ID3663335
AuthorsSamantha L Tornello (0000-0002-1387-6314, Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA), Rachel A Smith (0000-0003-0392-3735, Communication Arts and Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA)
Year2024
Volume71
Issue4
Pages863-886
Publication date2024-03-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Homosexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-8369 • E-ISSN: 1540-3602
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00918369.2022.2132580
PMID36264265
OpenAlexW4306910323
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited75

For all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, transition to parenthood often increases stress, although, according to minority stress theory (MST), same-sex couples often experience additional stressors specifically related to their sexual orientation. In this study of 34 same-sex female couples (68 sexual minority mothers) who conceived their children with the use of sperm donation, we explored the intrapersonal and interpersonal influences of sexuality-related stigma, sexual identity, sexuality disclosure ("outness"), and social support on the wellbeing of each partner among these couples. We found support for MST, although the process worked differently based on the mother's role. Among the pregnant (gestational) mothers, personal experiences of sexuality related stigma, social support, and sexual identity disclosure were all associated with their individual wellbeing. In contrast, among the non-pregnant (non-gestational) mothers, these associations were more interpersonal in nature. Specifically, the non-gestational mothers' wellbeing was unrelated to their personal experiences of sexuality stigma but was associated with their partner's (the gestational mother's) reports of sexual identity centrality and affirmation and support from friends. In all, we found support for MST, such that greater sexuality stigma was associated with poorer wellbeing, but this relationship functioned differently depending on the mother's role

Developmental psychology · Homosexuality · Human sexuality · Interpersonal communication · Intrapersonal communication · Lesbian · Sexual identity · Sexual minority · Sexual orientation · Social support · Clinical Psychology · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Gender Studies · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Reproductive Health and Technologies · Social Psychology

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