What is the study about?
We're interested in discovering ways to support parenting and reduce stress among same-sex couples raising children. The purpose of the current study is to explore how couples work together in their parental roles and the life experiences that help or hinder them (such as minority stress or social support).
To be eligible for the study you have to:
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Be at least 18 years old
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Identify as a sexual minority parent (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, etc.)
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Be raising a child with a same-sex romantic partner or spouse
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Have at least one child between the ages of 4 and 18 years old
Join other families in your community! Helps us learn more about parenting in LGBQ+ families!
This research is an IRB-approved study (IRB #2018-0468-00) out of the Psychology Department at the University of Virginia. Research out of our lab has appeared in Amicus Briefs to the Supreme Court for cases that fought for LGBTQ rights and equality. Participating in the study can help us continue to fight for diverse American families.
Click the button below to participate in our study. Thank you!
Who are we?
CHARLOTTE J. PATTERSON, PHD
Charlotte J. Patterson is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and is Director of the Women, Gender, and Sexuality (WGS) Department at the University of Virginia. Her research focuses on the psychology of sexual orientation, with an emphasis on sexual orientation, human development, and family lives. In the context of her research, Patterson has worked with children, adolescents, couples, and families; she is best known for her studies of child development in the context of lesbian- and gay-parented families.
JASON SUMONTHA, MA
Jason Sumontha is a Ph.D. Psychology student at the University of Virginia. His research interests are in parenting and child development among diverse families, with a focus on sexual and gender minority parents and their children. Specifically, he is interested in risk and resilience among LGBTQ+ families and the intersections between sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
He lives with his husband of 4 years and two animal companions (a dog and a cat). In their free time, they enjoy watching cheesy old movies, coming up with useless superpowers, and avoiding a social life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this study about?
The goal of this study is to examine coparenting (e.g., how couples work together to raise children) and stress among same-sex parenting couples. We hope to explore different types of stress and their effect on how same-sex couples work together to raise their children. By doing so, we seek to identify potential promotive factors that could help reduce the negative impact of stress. The study consists of an online survey that will take approximately 15 to 25 minutes of your time.
Who can participate?
To qualify for the study, participants must:
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Identify as a sexual minority parent (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, etc.)
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Have at least one child between the ages of 4-18 who they are raising. This child can be biological, adopted, foster, step, etc.
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Be sharing the responsibilities of raising a child with a same-sex partner
How will my information be used?
Your information will help us learn more about parenting among same-sex couples raising children. Data will be used in summaries and publications that may appear in peer reviewed journals and presented at professional conferences. The hope is that these results will be used to educate and advocate for diverse families. No personal or identifying information will ever be presented.
If I am single, can I participate?
Unfortunately no. The current study is interested in LGBQ+ parents raising children with a same-sex partner. Future studies may explore LGBTQ single parenthood. If you are interested in participating in future research, consider letting us know in the contact box below!
CONTACT US
Thank you for your interest in our research! Please let us know if you have any questions or comments. We would love to hear from you!