Date of Award

2009

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

The current research is a qualitative study in which semi-structured interviews were used to explore parental reactions to an offspring's declaration of a non-heterosexual identity. The purpose of this research was to develop a further understanding of what parents experience when a son or daughter identifies as lesbian or gay. Participants were 10 parents involved with Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Grounded theory was used to explore the data and further develop a model of parental reactions and transformations when learning that an offspring identifies as lesbian or gay. Overarching themes included: Acceptance and Activism, Parental Reactions, Needing and Finding Support, and Changes in Life and View of Self.

Share

COinS