Jerry J. Bigner

The Value of Children to Lesbian and Non-Lesbian Mothers

Abstract This study compares the responses of a sample of lesbian and non-lesbian mothers to items on the Value of Children (VOC) Scale. This instrument measures the reasons that may explain why adults become parents and the values and functions for children in the lives of adults. Results indicate that there are more similarities than differences between lesbian and non-lesbian mothers in responses on the VOC Scale. Only one subscale that measures goals and incentives for assuming parenthood and having children differentiated between the groups. The lack of differences in response patterns on the VOC scale between lesbian and non-lesbian mothers may be attributed to the similar socialization experiences of women in our society regarding parenthood and the expectations of individuals upon assuming this role in adulthood. The significant differences in responses on the one subscale may be attributed to differences in world-views of lesbian and non-lesbian mothers.

Attitudes Toward Fathering and Father-Child Activity

Responses of 77 middle-class fathers of preschool-aged children on two scales, Attitudes Toward Fathering and Father-Child Activity, were analyzed to determine: (a) whether an association existed between scores on the two scales; and (b) whether responses were associated with age of father; age, sex, and ordinal position of child; and estimated interaction time with child. As attitude scores increased (became more developmental in nature), there was an associated increase in degree of father-child activities. Age of fathers was not associated with attitudes toward fathering nor with degree of father-child activities. Both Attitude and Activity Scale scores remained unchanged as age of children increased. However, as ordinal position of children increased there was a related change in attitudes that were more devel opmental but a related decrease in activities with children. Comparison of scores on both scales showed no significant differences as a function of sex of child. Data from item analyses of the two scales as a function of the three child variables provided additional interpretation to response patterns of the subjects.

An Exploratory Investigation of Gay Stepfathers' Perceptions of Their Role

Abstract This phenomenological study explored the gay stepfather role in its definitions, evolution, and factors that influenced how it was assumed and performed. Five gay men, living in a gay stepfamily that included the full or joint custody of the biological children of their partner, were asked to describe their perceptions of their family role in an open-ended, semi-structured interview. Data from all interviews were analyzed using the Atlas ti computer program (Muhr, 1997) that allowed identification of themes held commonly among the participants. Overall, the participants described stepfather roles and stepfamilies in terms that do not appear to be significantly different from heterosexual counterparts. The participants consistently mentioned the need for flexibility and patience in developing various aspects of their stepfather role such as co-parent/caretaker and friend/confidant. All participants discussed commitment to their families and the benefits gained in their stepfather role. Most had an effective, working relationship with the childrens mothers. Interestingly, disclosure was not an issue in these families, and they reported feeling supported by extended family members.

COMPARISON OF FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS: HOMOSEXUAL VERSUS HETEROSEXUAL WOMEN

The purpose of this study was to compare nuclear family characteristics of homosexual and heterosexual women. Data of two samples (34 homosexual and 31 heterosexual women) were analyzed for differences and similarities of the nuclear families. Statistically significant differences indicate that lesbians experience less positive nuclear family relationships. However, personal comments by the subjects may be of more interest to the reader than the statistical analysis. Findings are consistent with other research on this problem, pointing to the need for systematic analysis of family variables and how they relate to development of sexual identity.

Young Children's Perceptions of Old People

Thirty-five preschool-age children were asked to order drawings of young, middle, and old- aged people from oldest to youngest. Subjects were asked to assign adjective descriptions to the pictures representing each age. Significant associations were found between the type of response given by subjects and the age of the male and female figure drawings (p < .001). The number of positive adjectives assigned to old figures was correlated with the time subjects spent with people over the age of sixty-five. There was a significant association between the number of positive adjective assignments and the amount of time spent with an elderly babysitter (p < .001) and an elderly neighbor (p < .02). Results are discussed in relation to changes in family life, and suggestions are made for improving young childrens impressions of elderly individuals.

Black Versus White Single Parents and the Value of Children

Differences between black and white single parents concerning the value of children in the United States are examined and recent studies on this subject are reviewed. Data were collected at a private day care center in a large metropolitan area. (ANNOTATION)

Therapeutic Experiences of Lesbian Couples

Abstract This study explores the therapeutic experience of lesbian couples who had received couples psychotherapy earlier in their relationship. It examines their feelings regarding their own levels of acceptance, disclosure of sexual orientation, and connectedness with the professional providing services using qualitative methodology. The perspectives of both members of the lesbian couple were taken into account and explored. Lesbian couples who had accepted their sexual orientation appeared to have higher levels of satisfaction in their therapeutic experience and reported having an improved sense of self. Couples who had a therapist that portrayed a positive acceptance of homosexuality, low levels of heterosexism, and knowledge of issues relevant to the lesbian community reported an experience that was conducive to growth and development thus leading to an enriched relationship.

Working with Gay and Lesbian Parents

SUMMARY Therapists are likely to be working with more gay and lesbian parents as these individuals become ubiquitous in society. Queer parents and their families present unique clinical issues that distinguish them from other GLBT clients. Issues commonly expected to be encountered in working with gay and lesbian parents are discussed in this article. These issues are restricted to those commonly experienced by married or once married queer parents and their families since these comprise the majority usually seen by therapists.

Children's Perceptions of “Goodness” and “Badness” in Sibling Roles

Perceptions of “goodness” and “badness” in sibling roles were investigated in a cross- sectional study of second-born children aged 5–13 years. The study focused on changes in descriptions of these sibling role concepts as a function of age of child, sex of child, sibling status of child, and age-spacing between siblings. Results indicated that a “good” sibling was perceived in different terms than a “bad” sibling, and these descriptions varied with increasing age. Sex of sibling and degree of age-spacing between siblings produced markedly different perceptions of the role concepts. Results are discussed in relation to the degree of a childs ex perience with an older sibling.

Cultural Correlates of Parent-Nonparent Stereotypes: A Multivariate Analysis.

This study empirically examines the cultural meanings of parental and nonparental roles. A multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the influence of generational group, family size, and place of residence on ratings of personality traits for each role by 57 mother- daughter pairs. Respondents perceived the nonparental role very differently from the parental role with generational group emerging as the main driver variable. The findings of this study strongly suggest that parental role stereotyping does not occur in a simple bivariate manner but results from the interplay of several factors.