Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Category
Social Sciences/Humanities
Abstract/Artist Statement
To understand if children of LGBTQ+ parents experience minority stress, this narrative review integrates minority stress theory with empirical research on LGBTQ+ parent families. To this end, I will illustrate the history of LGBTQ+ parent family research, outline emerging frameworks for understanding the impact of minority stress on the family unit, and examine outcomes research on children of LGBTQ+ parents. Researchers have indicated that children of LGBTQ+ parents may experience discrimination due to their familial status; however, little is known about the extent to which children of LGBTQ+ families experience minority stress, or about nuanced protective and risk factors that shape children’s well-being. Existing research on LGBTQ+ parent families rarely considers how minority stress processes targeting the family may impact child outcomes, including psychopathology. To address this gap, I conclude by proposing conceptual directions for research assessing experiences of minority stress among children from LGBTQ+ headed families.
Mentor Name
Hillary Powell
Minority Stress in Children of LGBTQ+ Parents: Extending Beyond Individual-Level Minority Stress Theories
UC North Ballroom
To understand if children of LGBTQ+ parents experience minority stress, this narrative review integrates minority stress theory with empirical research on LGBTQ+ parent families. To this end, I will illustrate the history of LGBTQ+ parent family research, outline emerging frameworks for understanding the impact of minority stress on the family unit, and examine outcomes research on children of LGBTQ+ parents. Researchers have indicated that children of LGBTQ+ parents may experience discrimination due to their familial status; however, little is known about the extent to which children of LGBTQ+ families experience minority stress, or about nuanced protective and risk factors that shape children’s well-being. Existing research on LGBTQ+ parent families rarely considers how minority stress processes targeting the family may impact child outcomes, including psychopathology. To address this gap, I conclude by proposing conceptual directions for research assessing experiences of minority stress among children from LGBTQ+ headed families.