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Report

Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Adoptive Parents’ Perceptions of Parental Bonding During Early Parenthood

July 2013
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This study examines lesbian, gay, and heterosexual parents’ perceptions of bonding to their adopted children. It appeared in Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice in 2013.

AUTHORS
  • Abbie E. Goldberg
    Professor, Clark University
  • April M. Moyer
    Clark University
  • Lori A. Kinkler
    Psychologist, Trinity University
CONTACT US ABOUT THIS STUDY
Highlights
More than half of the participants described a strong and stable bond to their child beginning at the time of placement.
More than one third of participants described the parent–child bond as increasing over the past 2 years.
Most couples agreed that they and their partners were currently equally bonded to their children.
Data Points
55%
of respondents reported a strong and stable bond to their child from the time of placement
40%
of respondents described an increasing bond after an initially slow or challenging bonding process
5%
described a weakening bond over time

Please contact our communications office for a full copy of the study.

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Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Adoptive Parents’ Perceptions of Parental Bonding During Early Parenthood
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