Parental Role Development: Giving Voice to Non-traditional Parents (LGBT)

Location

1053

Format Type

Paper

Format Type

Paper

Start Date

12-1-2017 1:45 PM

End Date

12-1-2017 2:05 PM

Abstract

Susan Ann Vitale-Parental Role Development: Giving Voice to Non-traditional Parents (LGBT)

Research on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, or transgender (LGBT) individuals when they adopt or give birth provides insight for health care providers. At present, informational resources concerning adjustment to their parental roles have been inadequate. This research focuses on a national initiative to better understand pertinent and applicable LGBT concerns (Heathy People 2020 www.healthypeople.gov). The objective was to develop an understanding of the process of parental role attainment in LGBT individuals. LGBT parents may be able to utilize a microsystem of social support, parent relationships, and family values when faced with the macrosystem of social, political, and cultural influences. Current legislation and health care networks are also factors to be evaluated within the development of these roles. I used grounded theory methodology to give voice to the participants. I endeavored to communicate credible empathy through an unbiased perspective. The participants were adult couples of varied LGBT backgrounds who had a biological or adopted child. They were aware that involved students and I were essentially naïve to their unique perspective (as non-LGBT individuals). A clear focus was a genuine desire to better understand important issues and convey an accurate analysis for dissemination of the findings. The participants appreciated the opportunity to take part in this study and the chance to tell their stories. I found their individual and collective challenges and obstacles, as set within the universal context of becoming parents, to be both evocative and inspiring. Findings from this research will lead to patient anticipatory guidance and help to inform health care providers of the issues surrounding parental role attainment.

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Jan 12th, 1:45 PM Jan 12th, 2:05 PM

Parental Role Development: Giving Voice to Non-traditional Parents (LGBT)

1053

Susan Ann Vitale-Parental Role Development: Giving Voice to Non-traditional Parents (LGBT)

Research on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, or transgender (LGBT) individuals when they adopt or give birth provides insight for health care providers. At present, informational resources concerning adjustment to their parental roles have been inadequate. This research focuses on a national initiative to better understand pertinent and applicable LGBT concerns (Heathy People 2020 www.healthypeople.gov). The objective was to develop an understanding of the process of parental role attainment in LGBT individuals. LGBT parents may be able to utilize a microsystem of social support, parent relationships, and family values when faced with the macrosystem of social, political, and cultural influences. Current legislation and health care networks are also factors to be evaluated within the development of these roles. I used grounded theory methodology to give voice to the participants. I endeavored to communicate credible empathy through an unbiased perspective. The participants were adult couples of varied LGBT backgrounds who had a biological or adopted child. They were aware that involved students and I were essentially naïve to their unique perspective (as non-LGBT individuals). A clear focus was a genuine desire to better understand important issues and convey an accurate analysis for dissemination of the findings. The participants appreciated the opportunity to take part in this study and the chance to tell their stories. I found their individual and collective challenges and obstacles, as set within the universal context of becoming parents, to be both evocative and inspiring. Findings from this research will lead to patient anticipatory guidance and help to inform health care providers of the issues surrounding parental role attainment.