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University of San Diego

Managing Stigma in Planned Lesbian-Parent Families

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The gay-and lesbian-parent family is a family form becoming more prevalent in today's diverse society. Now, with advances in reproductive technology and a growing acceptance of homosexuality, gay men and lesbians are having, adopting, and raising children in record numbers. The purpose of this study was to identify how parents and children in planned lesbian-parent families live in a homophobic society where they face social prejudice on a daily basis. Data were obtained from interviews with 12 planned lesbian-parent families. Data analysis included interviews with the parents as well as analysis of 48 of the children's drawings and the stories about their drawings. Data analysis using a qualitative approach through the use of grounded theory and projective drawing techniques led to a substantive theory to explain the process of managing stigma in planned lesbian-parent families. Interactional strategies used by the parents and the children were identified. These strategies were influenced by experiences of homophobia and the family's social network. These findings have implications for further research, clinical practice, and education.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
PhD Nursing
Level thesis:degree_level
Dissertation: Open Access
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Nursing
Year dc:date.available
2003

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Cheffer, Natalie, PhD, MN, CPNP

Subjects

dc:subject × 7

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://digital.sandiego.edu/dissertations/305
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:digital.sandiego.edu:dissertations-1308

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of San Diego
Base URL
digital.sandiego.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Cheffer, Natalie, PhD, MN, CPNP. Managing Stigma in Planned Lesbian-Parent Families. Dissertation: Open Access thesis, 2003. https://digital.sandiego.edu/dissertations/305