By Irada Yunusova
Debates concerning gay marriage and adoption by same sex couples continue to create conflict across the nation. Ongoing scientific studies can greatly influence the public view of various issues, including gay marriage. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Virginia have recently conducted a study concerning behavioral problems in children adopted by straight, gay, and lesbian couples.
Researchers Farr and Patterson surveyed 104 families, of which 25 were lesbians parents, 29 were gay males, and 50 were heterosexuals. Parents reported on the division of child-related labor between them, such as feeding, dressing, and playing, and on factors of their child's adjustment. Also, parent-child play sessions were recorded, and then researchers observed and rated the behavior along scales from "supportive" to "undermining."
Researchers found that the sexual preference of the parents did not influence the behavior of children, but the parents' satisfaction with the division of labor did. Although same-sex couples divided tasks more equally than straight couples, the actual division of childcare tasks was unrelated to children's adjustment. However, the parents' satisfaction with their arrangement was related to children's behavior problems, such as acting out or showing aggressive behavior. Harmonious, supportive co-parenting interactions are associated with positive child behavior for all three types of parents.
The findings of this study indicate that parents' interactions with one another are influential in an adopted child's adjustment and behavior. Although same-sex couples may choose to divide child-care tasks differently from straight couples, as long as they do so in a harmonious way, the child should have positive adjustment. It is clear that these findings can have a serious impact on politics and social interactions in the 21st century.
Reference: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130713095246.htm
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