Lesbian adoptive mothers’ emotional responses and adaptation in the wake of relational dissolution

ABSTRACT

Relational dissolution is often characterized by heightened feelings, especially around co-parenting and child custody. Lesbian mothers may experience their emotions in uniquely nuanced ways due to intersections among female gender, minority sexual orientation, and family structural change. Framed by a critical feminist perspective, we conducted a qualitative analysis of telephone interview and online survey responses by 17 lesbian adoptive mothers whose relationship ended. Four emotional response patterns emerged – mostly positive, mixed feelings, mostly negative, very negative – corresponding to four adaptation patterns: adapted, improving, stalled, and stuck. We provide implications for individuals, families, and societal change related to LGBTQ divorcing families.

KEYWORDS:

• Emotional responses
• lesbian adoptive mothers
• lesbian relationships

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by grants to the second author from The Spencer Foundation, the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, and the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality.