Factors associated with relationship dissolution and post-dissolution adjustment among lesbian adoptive couples

ABSTRACT

Same-sex adoptive couples are increasingly visible, yet few studies have addressed relationship stability and dissolution among these couples. In this study, using a theoretical framework based on Investment Models and Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation Theory, factors associated with dissolution and post-dissolution adjustment among 27 lesbian adoptive couples were examined across two points. At Wave 1, all 27 couples were together; children were on average 3 years old. Results revealed that nearly one third broke up over 5 years (between Waves 1 and 2). Factors related to shorter relationship length and undermining coparenting at Wave 1 distinguished women who later broke up versus stayed together. Worse mental health at Wave 2 characterized women in dissolved rather than sustained relationships, even with comparable individual adjustment at Wave 1. Weaker parenting alliance and greater dissatisfaction with childcare divisions were reported by women no longer with their partners at Wave 2 as compared with those in enduring partnerships. This research has implications for understanding lesbian relationship dynamics and associations with individual adjustment.

KEYWORDS:

• Lesbian women
• adoptive couples
• relationship dissolution
• coparenting
• mental health

Additional information

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Rachel H. Farr

Rachel H. Farr received her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Virginia in 2011. She is an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky and was the Rudd Postdoctoral Research Scholar and Research Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst until 2015. Rachel's research focuses on diverse families, particularly those formed through adoption and parented by LGBTQ adults. For nearly a decade, she has conducted a large longitudinal study about how parental sexual orientation impacts child outcomes, parenting, and family dynamics in adoptive families across the United States. The results have informed policy, practice, and law surrounding ongoing controversy about lesbian and gay parenting, including citations in amicus briefs for Supreme Court same-sex marriage cases.