STRENGTHENING THE COPING RESOURCES OF LESBIAN FAMILIES

The author explores the psychological resources, family functioning, and coping strategies used by lesbian parents to deal with the stress of living in a heterosexual and homophobic environment. Interviews with 31 lesbian mothers revealed that coping patterns that emphasize social support, lesbian identity, and developing oneself were most helpful, whereas those that involved disclosure of lesbian identity to unsupportive people or social institutions were least helpful. Women had high self-esteem and moderate levels of mastery. Family functioning was characterized by balanced levels of family cohesion and family organization. Implications for practice focus on strengthening the coping resources of lesbian parents as well as changing the homophobic social environment.