The Refinement and Validation of a Model of Family Functioning After Child's Disclosure as Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual

Abstract

The current study refined and validated an emergent theory of family functioning, finding partial support for the model. Results suggest it is important for “difficult” conversations to occur in families, specifically about family member experiences and reactions to the child's disclosure regarding sexual orientation. Additionally, results suggest more successful outcomes occur when parents seek support from spouses and the focus of family behavior centers around the needs of their child. Implications for clinical practice and future research are also suggested.

KEYWORDS:

• parent
• disclosure
• gay
• lesbian
• bisexual
• coming out
• sexual orientation
• path analysis
• structural equation modeling

This research was partially supported by the Syracuse University's School of Education Creative Research Grant. The authors would like to thank Syracuse University's School of Education, and the Creative Research Grant Committee in particular, for their support and encouragement of this project.