Samantha Tornello will discuss how for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, transition to parenthood often includes increases in stress, along with new roles and expectations for each member of the couple. According to minority stress theory (MST), same-sex couples often experience additional stressors specifically related to their sexual minority status. Among a sample of 68 new and expecting sexual minority mothers (34 couples), I explored the intrapersonal and interpersonal influences of sexuality-related stigma, identity, disclosure (“outness”), and social support on the wellbeing of each partner. In all, I found support for MST, such that greater sexuality stigma was associated with poorer wellbeing, but this relationship functioned differently depending on the gestational role of the mother.
Hosted by the International Center for Coparenting Policy and Research