Parenting Desire Among Childless Lesbian and Gay Individuals in China: The Influence of Traditional Family Values, Minority Stress, and Parenting Motivation

Abstract

The current study aimed to explore the roles of traditional family values (specifically, filial piety and traditional gender stereotypes), minority stress, and parenting motivation in parenting desire among Chinese lesbian women and gay men. 1042 childless lesbian women and gay men between the ages of 18 and 46 were recruited to respond to an online survey, which covered measures assessing parenting desire, traditional family values, minority stress, and parenting motivation. The results indicated that traditional family values, minority stress, and parenting motivation each showed positive correlations with parenting desire. Additionally, minority stress alone mediated the relationship between filial piety/traditional gender stereotypes and parenting desire. However, minority stress was not significantly associated with parenting desire when controlling for parenting motivation. Parenting motivation mediated the associations between filial piety/traditional gender stereotypes, and parenting desire controlling for minority stress. The findings indicated that traditional family values, minority stress, and parenting motivation can be considered predictors of the desire to become a parent among Chinese lesbian women and gay men.