Children and adolescents with same-sex parents adjust as well as children with heterosexual parents, a new study finds.
In this study, 62 children aged six to sixteen years of age with same-sex parents were compared with 72 peers of opposite-sex parents for social behavior, hyperactivity, peer problems, adjustment emotional and behavioral problems in general.
‘Same-sex families have strong resilience strategies in place to protect their children from pervasive legal barriers and social rejection.’
The results of the study ‘Behavioral Outcomes of Children of Gay Parents in the Netherlands’ are published in the journal International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Previous studies have shown that same-sex parents face significant stressors related to their sexual orientation, such as experiences of prejudice and lack of legal background. supported. On average, this added stress leads to reduced physical and mental health for same-sex parents, which in turn can lead to adjustment problems in their children.
Same-sex parent and opposite-sex parent
‘For example, parents create an environment in which their children receive appreciation and recognition from others and where other gay families provide positive role models. However, it is not necessary that parents develop these strategies in the first place,’ Mr Fischer said.
The study is based on survey data only from the Dutch civil status registry and therefore provides representative results for families with parents between the ages of 30 and 65. The findings are consistent with a large number of studies that are not representative.
Therefore, the researchers recommend that researchers and policymakers steer clear of deficit-driven comparisons between same-sex and opposite-sex families. Instead, support services for same-sex families should build on their existing resilience structures and strengthen them further.
Source: Eurekalert
