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Same‐Sex Couple Perceptions of Family Support: A Consensual Qualitative Study
Author(s) -
Rostosky Sharon Scales,
Korfhage Bethe A.,
Duhigg Julie M.,
Stern Amanda J.,
Bennett Laura,
Riggle Ellen D.B.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
family process
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.011
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1545-5300
pISSN - 0014-7370
DOI - 10.1111/j.1545-5300.2004.04301005.x
Subject(s) - ambivalence , psychology , perception , social support , negotiation , coping (psychology) , context (archaeology) , psychological intervention , developmental psychology , social psychology , qualitative research , emotional support , clinical psychology , sociology , social science , paleontology , neuroscience , psychiatry , biology
Few studies have examined the family context in which same‐sex couples negotiate their lives and relationships. Consensual qualitative research methods (Hill, Thompson, & Williams, 1997) were used to analyze 14 same‐sex couples' conversations about family support. Couples perceived that their families are positively supportive, non‐supportive, or ambivalent in their support. These perceptions led to positive or negative emotional reactions in the couple members and to specific coping. The majority of couples perceived that family support (or lack of support) had an effect on the quality of their couple relationship. No general or typical response strategies to lack of family of origin support emerged, suggesting a lack of models or norms for same‐sex couples. The implications for psychotherapeutic interventions with same‐sex couples are discussed.