Title
Perceptions of Predisposing and Protective Factors for Perinatal Depression in Same-Sex Parents
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 11-2005
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health
Abstract
Increasing numbers of women are choosing to have children in the context of same-sex relationships or as “out” lesbian or bisexual individuals. This study used qualitative methods to assess perceived predisposing and protective factors for perinatal depression in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) women. Two focus groups with LGBQ women were conducted: 1) biological parents of young children and 2) nonbiological parents of young children or whose partners were currently pregnant. Three major themes emerged. Issues related to social support were primary, particularly related to disappointment with the lack of support provided by members of the family of origin. Participants also described issues related to the couple relationship, such as challenges in negotiating parenting roles. Finally, legal and policy barriers (e.g., second-parent adoption) were identified as a significant source of stress during the transition to parenthood. Both lacks of social support and relationship problems have previously been identified as risk factors for perinatal depression in heterosexual women, and legal and policy barriers may represent a unique risk factor for this population. Therefore, additional study of perinatal mental health among LGBQ women is warranted.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmwh.2005.08.002
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Ross, Lori E.; Steele, Leah; and Sapiro, Beth, "Perceptions of Predisposing and Protective Factors for Perinatal Depression in Same-Sex Parents" (2005). Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 151.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/social-work-and-child-advocacy-facpubs/151
Published Citation
Ross, Lori E., Leah Steele, and Beth Sapiro. "Perceptions of predisposing and protective factors for perinatal depression in same-sex parents." Journal of midwifery & women's health 50, no. 6 (2005): e65-e70.
Included in
Applied Behavior Analysis Commons, Clinical and Medical Social Work Commons, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Health Psychology Commons, Human Factors Psychology Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Social Work Commons, Sociology Commons