Childless Lesbian and Gay Adults’ Self-Efficacy About Achieving Parenthood

Couple and Family Psychology, Forthcoming

20 Pages Posted: 28 Jun 2012 Last revised: 8 Jul 2021

See all articles by Rachel G. Riskind

Rachel G. Riskind

University of Virginia; Guilford College

Charlotte Patterson

University of Virginia

Brian A. Nosek

University of Virginia

Date Written: June 28, 2012

Abstract

Lesbian and gay people are much less likely than others to become parents, and psychological factors may contribute to this difference. We explored self-efficacy about becoming a parent among geographically diverse, childless, lesbian and gay U.S. residents aged 18 to 44 years (N = 1,098). On average, participants reported that they were uncertain whether they could overcome financial barriers to parenthood or become biological parents without assistance from reproductive health providers. However, they were somewhat optimistic about overcoming barriers to adoptive and foster parenthood, and they were optimistic that they could somehow achieve parenthood if they wanted. Participants who were younger, who reported that children with lesbian or gay parents enjoy positive outcomes, and who lived in social climates favorable for members of sexual minorities reported the highest self-efficacy about achieving parenthood. These results contribute to understanding of family formation among sexual minority adults.

Keywords: lesbians, gay men, self-efficacy, parenthood, family

Suggested Citation

Riskind, Rachel G. and Riskind, Rachel G. and Patterson, Charlotte and Nosek, Brian A., Childless Lesbian and Gay Adults’ Self-Efficacy About Achieving Parenthood (June 28, 2012). Couple and Family Psychology, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2095376 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2095376

Guilford College ( email )

508 Leawood Drive
Greensboro, NC 27410
United States

Charlotte Patterson

University of Virginia ( email )

1400 University Ave
Charlottesville, VA 22903
United States

Brian A. Nosek

University of Virginia ( email )

1400 University Ave
Charlottesville, VA 22903
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
178
Abstract Views
1,758
Rank
305,000
PlumX Metrics